REVIEW: Amélie

Amélie was one of those films that I knew absolutely nothing about, yet seemed to be ever present wherever I went. It's been on Netflix for as long as I can remember and it's never long before someone recommends it to me or cites it as one of their favorite movies. At long last, I took it upon my self to sit down and see what all the hubbub was about. What I watched turned out to be a thoroughly charming modern fairy tale that takes a unique look at the life of the time-honored role of the quirky misfit protagonist.

Taking place in 1997, our story follows one Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou), an introverted young woman living in Paris. Raised in a lonely environment by her eccentric parents, Amélie develops an active imagination, taking delight in life's small pleasures while not fully understanding the more pedestrian concerns of those around her. After uncovering an old box of toys stashed in her apartment by the previous tenant, she takes it upon herself to return the childhood mementos to their rightful owner. What begins as an isolated act of kindness becomes something of a personal crusade, as Amélie sets out to improve the lives of those around her by way of her unique brand of mischief, hoping to find happiness and meaning for herself in the process.

It's a truly charming setup that helps further what may be this movie's strongest suit; its dream-like atmosphere. The whimsical storyline compared with the gorgeous set-design, vibrant color scheme, and clever cinematography give the film a look and feeling all its own (a look that would eventually inspire the overall aesthetic of Pushing Daisies). From the second it begins, it grabs your attention and completely immerses you in a version of reality that is just slightly more fantastical than the one we already inhabit. Everything pops and falls into place just so, giving each environment its own feel and tone; from Amélie's musty, cluttered childhood home to the stuffy, emerald flat of the mean old greengrocer. It's difficult to properly sell a film's aesthetic without this becoming a bona-fide essay of sorts, so I'll simply say that this is a very cozy film; I foresee me revisiting this in the future, should I find myself laid up in bed with a particularly nasty cold.

Aside from the stunning visual design of this movie, I simply have to praise the substance that lies within. The character of Amélie is presented as a true outsider; while she enjoys people from time to time, she rarely feels a strong connection with anyone, save for a select few misfits like herself. Being homeschooled by a high-strung mother and distant father left her something of an introvert; she had no friends growing up and takes little pleasure in romantic relationships. However, despite her apparent happiness at the myriad simplicities of life, she feels as though something is missing. The fact stands that human beings are social creatures; we instinctively crave connection with one another in one form or another. Amélie is, at its heart, a film about a person looking to secure that connection despite her deep-rooted fear of abandonment.

For a majority of the film, Amélie is presented as something of a story-book character; she's quirky and clever in a way befitting that of Puss in Boots or Br'er Rabbit. It's only as the film goes on that we begin to identify with her as a human being. Despite her mischievous little plots and her uncanny ability to have such a powerful-yet-unseen impact on the lives of those around her, she still has hopes and desires and fears like the rest of us. There are a number of times in the film where her quest for happiness is entirely self-sabotaged; what appears at first to be cowardice or foolishness quickly becomes apparent as a very human vulnerability which we all share. It's a film that paints a portrait of a young lady who attempts to build a wall around herself. Even though this wall is built purely out of positivity and kind intentions, it is still merely an attempt to close herself off from the rest of the world for fear of being hurt. It's a story that shows us that anyone can have a monumental impact on a human life; and even so, we all have our own obstacles to scale which stand in the way of our own happiness.

Amélie is an absolute delight; with its engrossing visual design, utterly charming protagonist, and warm-blanket atmosphere, I can't help but recommend this quirky, unique fairy tale of a film. It's the kind of film that validates and invigorates you as you watch it and I honestly enjoyed about every moment of it. Check it out, turn on the subtitles, and settle in for a genuine feel-good experience.