1. A "screen shot" as evidence for each of the stylistic devices.
2. A written description of the device and how it functions in the film.
3. An interpretation of what you feel is the director's intent and effect of the device on the film as a whole.
a) In this shot, young Amelie is taking photographs of clouds in the sky, but a closer look reveals that a cloud is actually in the shape of a bunny. Obviously, animal shaped clouds do not really exist in reality, but in Amelie's imagination in does. This stylistic device is called magical realism in which the director twists reality into the way he imagines it to create unimaginable things that awe the audiences.
b) The director chooses to use magical realism in the film because he wants to let us into the mind of Amelie. He wants to show his audiences that Amelie is no ordinary child. Because she was deprived from a normal childhood and never had the opportunity to interact with people her own age, she often relied on her imagination for amusement. Through magical realism, the director is able to effectively show the uniqueness and creative mindset of Amelie.
2. Sound/music:
a) In this scene, Amelie finally finds the courage to approach the man of her dreams. Her walk to Nino is complimented by a mixture of soft, yet edgy accordion and piano music. Unfortunately, when a tram carrying boxes and supplies hinders Amelie from continuing walking, she is overwhelmed with doubt and fear. As she turns around, there is a long accordion note, following with a loud, echoing bang.
b) The director's intent with the music in this scene is to create a suspenseful feeling as Amelie approaches Nino. As the music plays, the audiences get more excited and anxious as we believe that destined lovers will finally unite. Unfortunately, Amelie's fear of rejection and taking chances gets the best of her and she decides to turn around. After the tram speeds off, clearing Amelie's path, she turns back around, but only to find Nino gone. Thus, the loud, echoing bang in the end illustrates the devastation that Amelie feels because she has lost yet another chance to tell Nino her true feelings about him.
3. Subtext:
a) In this painting that the glass man painted, he explains to Amelie how he always had trouble painting the girl drinking from a glass cup. Amelie and the glass man discuss whether it is because of the girl's strange nature that makes her so difficult to paint perfectly. To the glass man, she is an outsider who does not belong in her society. The girl feels a void in her life and doesn't feel the same happiness as everyone else in the painting. She doesn't interact with the other characters in the painting, but just keeps to herself. But, to the glass man's dismay, the girl in the painting actually represents Amelie herself. The artwork hides a whole other meaning and content underneath than just a mixture of oils and colors. The painting reveals Amelie's true character and life story.
b) The director's intent with using subtext is that he wants to have Amelie do some self evaluation. By looking at a fictional character that represents her, Amelie will soon realize that before she attempts to help others with their lives, she needs to stop and sort out her own messy life. The director wants Amelie to always remember the little girl in the painting in order to have her transform from a reserved and lonely child into a confident and successful young woman. The subtext is a narrative structure to reveal Amelie's personal challenges.
4. Color correction:
a) Throughout the film, yellow was the dominant. It wasn't too overdone, but was still noticeable during high key lighting scenes. I first noticed the use of yellow color correction when the film began and even as the main character, Amelie appears, the yellow color is still apparent. The color is bright, soft, and yellow and gives the film a nice touch to it.
b) The director intended to use color correction to give the film a "storybook" or" fairytale" feeling. Since the film is a romantic comedy, it is appropriate to use the color yellow to create a positive feeling throughout. The color yellow symbolizes the happiness and change. Although the beginning of the film is quite depressing, there is also humor that relieves some of the gloomy feeling. The film highlights Amelie trying to do good for her community while trying to find happiness and love for herself. It is not the typical blockbuster love story. Because the story takes place in France, there is a romantic feeling that is generated as Amelie strives to find true love. The color correction effectively lightens the tone of the film and thus it fits into the romantic comedy genre.
I agree with your comment in 1b. and put something similar to that in mine. The director wants us to understand how Amelie's mind works, especially her imaginative qualities. In 3a I like your comment that she's an outsider, but I put that part to the stylistic device of imagining the TV is talking about her. I agree about the color correction and that it adds a warmth to the film or "positive feeling."
ReplyDeleteI like how you used subtext as a device in the film because I wasn't really thinking too much about that aspect even though it was important with the girl in the painting symbolizing Amelie and how she stands away form everyone else, alienating herself by choice. About that, why do you think that he himself changed his painting style at the end in particular to the more striking way he renders the characters. I understand what you are saying on the other 3 devices; it's good.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you talked about the sub script because I thought that was really important for the plot of the film. I also liked how you talked about the painting and how it symbolizes Amelie.
ReplyDeleteI like your analysis of the film!
ReplyDelete1. Magical Realism:
ReplyDeletea)
"Obviously, animal shaped clouds do not really exist in reality...."
You've never spent an afternoon lying in the grass and looking up at the clouds, have you?