MovieChat Forums > Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2002) Discussion > Just saw it for the first time...

Just saw it for the first time...

posted 10 years ago by kennethzinkmusic
5 replies | jump to latest

And I have to say, this film did absolutely nothing for me. I'm really glad so many people like it, but for me it just fell flat.

The atmosphere and world felt like it was trying SO hard to be quirky and surreal, rather than letting them breathe and flow naturally. I also hated the voice over; it just explicitly spelled out so many things, it didn't leave much up to the imagination.

Amelie felt very one note as a character too; I don't know if it's because she's reserved or if she was written poorly or what, but I found her boring, and sometimes frustrating.

I also thought it lacked a through line; their didn't seem to be a central narrative through the whole film, it just felt like it jumped from so many plot points and themes, I felt a severe absence of cogency.

But obviously I'm in the minority, and I'm glad so many people found something in the film.

[–] babuandbabu 10 years ago

It gave me creeps. 😓

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[–] wainot 10 years ago

I don't share your opinion(s), but understand your points, and am glad that you worded them respectfully. I've been against the grain on quite a few films, so I can relate to your disappointment, even if I don't share it. To me, the narration worked as did the character introductions. Although I would rather experience things in a book or movie than be told things, what can I say: the approach worked here for me.

[–] FooserX 10 years ago

I think you have to keep in mind this was made back in what...2001?

It was a great movie for its time, and still holds up well if you like quirky.

But it's like watching Alien or Jaws for the first time now. They just wouldn't do much for the viewer, because it's all been done before.

Quirky has been overdone in movies, but the style was all very fresh back when it came out.

X

[–] OurHouseIsBurningDown 10 years ago

I don't think time has to do with it. I just watched it in october and thought it was the best movies i've seen thus far. I thought the narrator was good because it set an atmosphere for the film. As for the plots, i think it is overt: a woman who tries to do good for other people but can't seem to good for herself. But at the same time it's a about how a woman begins a relationship with a man. I didn't think it tried too hard because the movie isn't so apparent about how it will end out. The story incorporates people who have strange tendencies like Amelie, Nino, everyone where she works, her parents, her pet fish and even the cat she babysits. This is how she meets Nino.

[–] rachel-filmer82 9 years ago

I disagree. I don't think the movie has dated badly in terms of style or visuals. I can't understand people saying that this film has no narrative or is unfocused since it's actually very linear. It's a stunning film in every aspect - writing, acting, cinematography, score... I just don't understand where the problem is, but I guess we are all different.

All I will say, every single one of those storylines called meaningless by some helps Amelie to progress - her character develops properly, as a result of experience, and not in the way characters usually do. It's believable and feels authentic to me.

Also, trying hard to be quirky? When? Have you seen Jeunet's other films?