Another Pollyanna...or Something More?

Starring: Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Serge Merlin, Jamel Debbouze
Directed By: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Running Time: 122 Min., Color
Copyright 2001
French w/Subtitles
Rated: R

It's taken a while, but I've finally had a chance to watch (and re-watch) Amelie. Now...how to discuss it without restating the obvious? Having only seen the film on satellite TV, I hadn't realized that it was nominated for no less than five academy awards in 2002 and has actually won fifty-one other awards from around the world! It was only when I received my own copy that I learned of its acclaim, but I'm not sure that would have made any difference in the formation of my opinion.

I know it's going to sound strange coming from someone with a blog dedicated to discussing movies, but I really don't care much about the Oscars. I rarely even know that the big event is coming up until it's already over and I certainly don't put much stock in the outcome. I can't really say why, though I do have a sneaking suspicion that it has something to do with an aversion to being told what to like. I guess I'm a little stubborn that way. I want to make up my own mind.

The blurb on the back of my DVD cover reads like this:
A painfully shy waitress working at a tiny Paris cafe, Amelie makes a surprising discovery and sees her life drastically changed for the better! From then on, Amelie dedicates herself to helping others find happiness...in the most delightfully unexpected ways! But will she have the courage to do for herself what she has done for others?

My new DVD set has bonus features including several interviews with the writer/director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. He indicates that much of the story is autobiographical. The fish in the story was his little fish. The scrapbook was actually the creation of a friend (although the one in the movie was a re-creation). At least to some extent, he is Amelie. Her story was intricately woven with strands from life as he has lived it and as he has imagined it to be. And, eccentric as it seems, it's a life I can relate to.

I guess that's what it boils down to most of the time. We like a movie that we can relate to in one way or another. Either we identify with elements in the story that remind us of ourselves or we are drawn to something that is different and intriguing. For me, Amelie offers both. There are emotions and motivations represented in the film that I am intimately acquainted with. And there is an attention to detail and honesty and humor that I really admire. When Amelie struggles, I think...I know that struggle. When she indulges in one of her secret delights, I think...that looks like fun!
Bottom line, to me, Amelie is like a little butterfly nestled safely in her warm cocoon. It's lonely and uncomfortable at times, but it's also familiar and secure. When she finds the tin box, it's as if she catches a glimpse of the outside world with all its possibilities. And she has to choose whether to hunker down where it's safe or learn to fly.

So...what are your impressions of this film? Was it your cup of tea...or a little too sweet for your taste? Did you see yourself somewhere within the frames or did you ask...what were they thinking? Either way, I'd love to chat with you about it, so tell me what you think!