Film Log- Amelie

Movie: Amelie
-2001, color, 122 min.
-Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
-Actors: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz

Amelie Poulin is a French girl who enjoys the small things in life. Because of the false ideas she has of her childhood, Amelie often finds herself alone and rarely makes deep connections with others. After finding a special book in the train station in paris, Amelie goes on a mission to return it to the owner, through this mission, Amelie finds herself devoting her all to bettering the lives of those around her. In this pre- French New Wave style film, the audience member follows her into her whimsical mind and all of the beauty she finds in life.

Q: How does Amelie's appearance contribute to her character in the film?
A: The whole film is shot in a red scheme. Amelie often wears red, implying that she is blending in with the background, and as the film progresses, Amelie makes several bold steps in her daily fashion to show her character evolving into a more open and confident girl. Her haircut is very bold and dark, which greatly contrasts with her gentle, and pale face. Amelie wears "no-makeup" and sports a very natural look to complement her "purity" and "naiveness."

Q:How does the soundtrack to Amelie set the mood in the film?
A: This film is scored by Yann Tiersen. Jean-Pierre Jeunet chose Tiersen to add his music into the film after hearing the romantic and charming music that captures Parisien culture so powerfully. The film is full of changes in emotion, location, and scenery, the music goes hand in hand with every step of the way to fully embellish the vibrant mood of the film. It certainly captures the roots of Amelie as a child, losing her mother, all the way to her day-time job as a waitress. The constant shift in atmosphere is greatly complimented by Tiersen's score to lead the viewers through the story and to help aid them to understand what Amelie is undergoing internally.