Short Review: So good it makes me forget I hate the French.


I need to say that Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a true visionary. His body of work is so brilliant, regardless of his European amorality, that it is nearly criminal he is not more widely known in the states.

Amelie is a joy to watch. It is a reminder of how wonderful cinema can be.

With the clever layout of the story, to the ingenious use of narration and editing there are few films within the past years to compare. If you excuse the disastrous Alien Resurrection, Jeunet’s work keeps improving and this piece is a crown jewel to a masterful career.

A good deal of the praise can also go to the casting of Audrey Tautou in the lead. Beautiful while still looking utterly crazy, Tautou quickly establishes the character she was obviously born to perform. Her meek yet welcoming performance carries the production. She is a pleasure to watch as she makes the insane world of the film believable.


I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the use of Tautou’s eyes. The woman was born with wide, dark eyes that are both striking and welcoming. Jeunet uses them to full effect. Tautou constantly offers the camera quick smiles and looks throughout the film. Her kind looks to the audience offer a whimsical undertone to the film that help make the the film so enticing.

This is a French film, which means two things to most Americans: 1. It’s French and thus it will be foul smelling and arrogant. 2. It will be subtitled. Even if you’re against subtitles this film is absolutely worth your time. This is a very smart, original film that deserves your attention.


Related Reviews:
Other notable movies from stinky Frenchmen*
The Violon Rouge "The Red Violin" (1998)
Rififi (1955)

Labels: Audrey Tautou, film, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Mathieu Kassovitz, movie review