All Things Amelie

Amelie, a film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, is everything it promises to be. Its original French title "Le Fabuleux Destin D'Amelie Poulain" literally translates to The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulain, who is the main character in the film.

Her adventures are both whimsical and perilous. She delves into her past, but looks forward to making a difference in the future. The music, composed by Yann Tierson, fits perfectly into the French world of intrigue, mystery, and a little pinch of everything else. Amelie is as cute as a button, but she sticks her nose into business that gets her into trouble. Her tribulations can be incredibly somber, but in the end, she will always win your heart.

The film was not incredibly popular in American movie theaters, but it was nominated for five Academy Awards. It's plot is irresistible to viewers, and everyone can certainly relate. Amelie is a shy waitress living in Montmarte, France, and she is determined to make a difference in the lives of the people she knows (or has not yet met). Her whirlwind spirit takes her to places where she helps a blind man through the city, pointing out the smells and the noises he might hear. She plays tricks on evil neighbors, and the sly look in her eye tells viewers exactly what's on her mind. The film itself is deserving of any awards it received or were nominated for. The music matches the scenery perfectly, and Audrey Tautou is memorable to say the least.

Michael Sowa, a German artist, also has artwork featured in the film. A common theme carries throughout his paintings and the movie - whimsy. Both are adjectives that jump into the mind of anyone who sees either the film or his work. His paintings can be seen throughout the movie, but primarily in Amelie's bedroom - just part of what sets the stage in her French flat. All of her belongings are endearing and rich in color and tone.

If you have not yet seen Amelie, you may have seen some television shows or movie that have an Amelie influence. ABC's Pushing Daisies sought to have the same kind of "feel" that Amelie brought the the screen, and in 2006, the film Paris J'Taime featured a famous picture of Amelie from the original film.

The two-disc set is available for purchase at Buy.com for about $10, at the following link:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=amelie+movie&cid=13476321428903842234&sa=title#ps-sellers

Wal-Mart and Overstock.com both sell the disk set at about $15.00, as well, and can be found at:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1763065&sourceid=1500000000000003260390&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=1763065

and

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Amelie-WS-DVD/608915/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=2385117

For a true Amelie experience, look into listening or purchasing the separate soundtrack!