Amelie Film

I think for my post I’m going to try and answer the last two questions…How was it for you to watch a movie in French with subtitles where you had to literally read the story? And, discuss how the film was absurd or full of whimsy.

Personally, having seen only half of the film, I have grown very much through watching it with my full-designated attention. One can only interpret this film with an open mind. It is a very “jumping around” kind of movie. With that said, I feel that all of the elements that the director was intending to place into the story through his visual art were accurately placed and is left for own interpretation. There is a certain message that is obviously speaking to the audience… More or less some people may not be able to grasp the idea. Which is what makes art so grand. Interpretation amongst civilized beings is and can always be interesting to observe in its self. As far as the movie is concerned I feel that the message that this film delivers is a strong one. Amelie is in search of her true self… No matter what road she takes she shall remain optimistic. Reason being for her optimism would simply be she has been living her life free and playfully… Dramatic events have occurred in her life and she has become someone looking for an escape. She finds it… But not through inspiration of love or another sappy movie storyline, but she finds what her calling is in life. She has to protect and remain conscious to her own surroundings and the surroundings of others. She intentionally helps people for the greater good. Yet, she isn’t blinded by the dullness that everyone around her is blinded by. She remains composed and ready to tackle anything and is ready to help whomever she comes into contact with. A sense of her child hood desperation is coming to life as she fills in missing segments of other people lives through solving some of their past reminisces.

The film is completely in French. This is a benefit to the viewer. Having never been out of the US myself I feel that you learn several aspects of French culture having been submerged into the movie for the 2 hours it goes on.  Obviously an English speaking person must watch it with subtitles… but that isn’t a problem. The fact that it remains in its own culture is prominent to the fact that it shows the viewer a deeper sense of where Amelie and her companions and enemy’s (or protagonist and antagonist if you will) mingle, go to eat, where they work, how they talk to each other, what they read, what they appreciate etc. I love it with or even without subtitles.

I can see how some might feel that this film is absurd. Some people just haven’t experienced something in their lives to truly be happy about. Most people just want things done for them and live in self-pity and feel lost or scared. Their loss is ours as well. Some may not even experience the happiness that Amelie feels in the film until they are on their deathbed. Realizations sometime come later in life. Ex. My uncle Stephen bought me an album in 2006… I was a kid. A year ago I came back and listened to the album and it was like all of the sudden I felt exactly why my uncle bought me the album. The album enlightened me to new thinking and understanding. Had I not gone back and listened I would have not been where I am today. Huge landmark it was. As far as the movie goes… Some may take time to understand… Life presentations are always fun to watch… sometimes are scary and sad to come back to… others full of prosperity and wisdom. Through time comes knowledge and through knowledge comes wisdom. Amelie is all of this… time, knowledge and wisdom.