And this week’s (Nov 22-28/13) is… Amélie!

This was one of those movies that I would often see on various lists of great movies and was tempted to judge a movie by its poster. It seemed like such a strange looking movie to be on a any “greats” lists. Right up there with Don Corleone’s pensive expression, Clint Eastwood’s “well, do ya?” scowl, Frodo holding a ring and Tyler Durden holding a pink bar of soap is a close up of a smiling, peculiar young woman who looks like she’s up to some fun mischief. She has jet black hair cut in a sharp bob as if the hair stylist really did use a bowl or two to do the job and managed an odd but cute creation. Her eyes and expression communicate honesty, uniqueness, and a daring to love life in spite of its curve balls. I thought, “Who is this Amélie and what’s her story?”

Early in the movie Amelie says that she likes to notice the details that no one else does. This came across to me as a kind of theme that represents the show and its story as a whole. From beginning to end almost every shot is one that could possibly be a work of art all its own hanging on a wall somewhere in Europe. We don’t just learn the basics of peripheral characters, we learn what they like (such as popping bubble wrap or cracking crême brulee with a spoon) and what they detest (such as clinging wet swimming trunks and the phrase “fruit of thy womb”). It’s the kind of movie you could watch and enjoy even if it had a boring plot and uninteresting characters. But it has neither. You sometimes find yourself saying, “Why is that important?” or “What was that all about?” But what it’s all about it up to you. The details are plentiful, just like in a painting. Just like life. Sit back and enjoy it.

Speaking of art, I often tell people that I think movies are art just as much as paintings, sculptures, etc., and sometimes the reaction I get is similar to what I might get if I said professional wrestling is a sport. If ever I had to try and prove this point, this is exactly the movie I’d choose. Each scene, each character, each set, each dialogue is artistic. It’s even in French for Pete’s sake.

As you may have noticed by now, I hate giving out too much information on the details of a movie. But I can say that following Amélie around, discovering what makes her tick, and listening to the story that unfolds is something that should not be missed. And, yes, it is whimsical Josh and Dave.

In my mind this is also one of the few movies to “get it right” when it comes to romance in the movies. I’ve never been one to appreciate or enjoy romance movies, but there are a few exceptions, and at the top of the list is Amélie. Congratulations Amélie, this is your week.

And the Oscar goes to:Best actress: I agree with those who suggested Audrey Tautou. She was so perfect for the role of Amélie you would swear they came up with the idea of the movie after meeting her. Best actor: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Peter O’Toole is friggin’ weird in Lawrence of Arabia. Knowing that both Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix get crapped on a lot, I am going to stick my neck out and give both of them a nod, with Crowe winning in the end. They both really are great actors. When I watched Gladiator for the first time, I knew I had seen something great. I had never known the name Russell Crowe up to that point and loved his performance. Best quote: “Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?” You tell ‘em Maximus Decimus Meridius!

I didn’t talk at all about District 9, which is crazy seeing as it’s one of my favourite alien/sci-fi movies ever. It will likely pop up again later on a sci-fi -based theme. And if you’re wondering what to get me for Christmas, don’t get me this one. Nor Amélie. I have them. Feel free to get me Gladiator, The Usual Suspects, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly or any of the LOTR movies. Movie tickets are fine too, but don’t over do it.