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-   -   Amelia (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/amelia-207041/)

francophile Nov 14th, 2001 06:49 AM

Amelia
 
Last night. Charming film. Does anyone know the restaurant in the opening scene with a fantastic view?

BOB THE NAVIGATOR Nov 14th, 2001 07:14 AM

Amelia is the beautiful island where I live--she was the youngest daughter of King George and very British. I think the movie is spelled differently, perhaps Amalie--but the other France lovers would know.

mimi taylor Nov 14th, 2001 08:24 AM

Hello from another francophile.That scene in AMELIE, I think, is Patachou. A restaurant with a fantastic view.If only the food was as good.

Wendy Nov 14th, 2001 08:53 AM

Is this movie in theaters or out on vid?

mimi taylor Nov 14th, 2001 09:03 AM

I am in Boston and it is playing in Cambridge at the Kendall.

Thyra Nov 14th, 2001 09:09 AM

It's only showing as a limited release. Typically that means independent theatres, or "art house" theatres. <BR>

Wendy Nov 14th, 2001 09:50 AM

Found it at one theater here in Seattle, will have to check it out! Maybe a rainy Sunday matinee!<BR>

Capo Nov 14th, 2001 10:03 AM

My girlfriend & I were walking around Montmatre on our second evening in Paris two years ago, when we came across a restaurant with a garden terrace that had a stunning view overlooking Paris. <BR><BR>I'd forgotten the name but, after looking at the photo at www.patachou.com, I'm sure that's the one (merci, Mimi!). And I'm equally sure that's the restaurant in the opening scene of Amelie. <BR><BR>We saw Amelie this past weekend and loved it. What a wonderful, charming, whimsical film. Amelie is played by the young (23) Audrey Tautou, who had a small part another charming French film, The Venus Beauty Institute, and she has perhaps the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen. (The the little girl who plays her in the beginning of the film is captivating too.) The cinematography makes Montmartre, and the rest of Paris, look even more beautiful than they already are.

John Nov 14th, 2001 10:14 AM

For Wendy in Seattle: Go early, lines around the block. Make sure you can read the subtitles from your seat or you'll be perplexed. Everyday Paris is ravishing in this film.

Capo Nov 14th, 2001 10:21 AM

My girlfriend & I were walking around Montmatre on our second evening in Paris two years ago, when we came across a restaurant with a garden terrace that had a stunning view overlooking Paris. <BR><BR>I'd forgotten the name but, after looking at the photo at www.patachou.com, I'm sure that's the one (merci, Mimi!). And I'm equally sure that's the restaurant in the opening scene of Amelie. <BR><BR>We saw Amelie this past weekend and loved it. What a wonderful, charming, whimsical film. Amelie is played by the young (23) Audrey Tautou, who had a small part another charming French film, The Venus Beauty Institute, and she has perhaps the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen. (The the little girl who plays her in the beginning of the film is captivating too.) The cinematography makes Montmartre, and the rest of Paris, look even more beautiful than they already are.

Capo Nov 14th, 2001 10:31 AM

Wendy, what John said, go early. We caught the matinee last Sunday and the Egyptian was packed.

Wendy Nov 14th, 2001 10:46 AM

John & Capo, merci beaucoup!! I appreciate the insite! Will plan well in advance!

Another Nov 14th, 2001 11:42 AM

In the interest of balance I will offer my perceptions of the movie.<BR>I thought it was a cute, little movie but nothing extraordinary. I do always enjoy watching foreign films, they give you a glimpse into other cultures for a moment. ...make me feel as though I have just traveled for two hours. I judge a film not by new theme in directing, filming etc...more what keeps me thinking about the movie in the following few days. If it is a funny movie than I think about the comic sense for at least some time later. If it is dramatic movie than the story line, if it is beautifully filmed, made me think of something different, you get the picture. This did none of that and I really don't get its wide spread appeal, at one point I even found myself yawning…. and I have to add it was a bit predictable. The water closet scene in the restaurant?... how many more times are we going to see this in French and British films the unattractive/overweight/needy/having loud ackward sex. The only thing that really did not surprise me was that Amalie’s hair was not hot-pink or some other inorganic color. A cute movie, Amalie is just not much more than that.<BR>

Lola Nov 14th, 2001 01:17 PM

Very funny film. Audrey's other film The Venice Beauty Parlor is now out on video.

liz Nov 14th, 2001 02:44 PM

Caught this wonderful film at the opening of our local film fest a few week ago in Vancouver. It was completely charming and I can't wait to see it again! See this movie, we all need something uplifting at this point and this fits the bill.

Wendy Nov 19th, 2001 01:27 PM

What fun!! Thanks for the recommendations to see this film. My friend and I went yesterday- early as John and capo suggested. We laughed the whole way thru!! Excellent story line and a great "feel good movie". Damn that gnome sure gets around!!! ;)

Capo Nov 19th, 2001 01:35 PM

Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Wendy.<BR><BR>Here's the review in the Seattle Weekly:<BR><BR>http://www.seattleweekly.com/feature...m-miller.shtml

Capo Nov 19th, 2001 01:39 PM

Also, here's a short article in the Seattle Weekly about the director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Interesting to read his opinion about cynicism in France compared to the U.S., and also about the advice he would give to an American going to France. <BR><BR>http://www.seattleweekly.com/feature...-miller2.shtml

BTilke Nov 19th, 2001 08:02 PM

No wonder Montmartre looks so good--much of the neighborhood scenery in the movie is FAKED with computerized special effects. The idea was to create a 1930s type Montmartre look, not the real Montmartre of today. No crowds, no litter, no graffiti, etc. Enjoy the movie but don't think the Montmartre you see on the screen is the same you'd find in reality. I think Paris is more beautiful now than it's been in decades (for Y2K celebrations they sandblasted everything that didn't move and the strong economy meant major cleanups in many neighborhoods) but Montmartre is still one of the grittier parts of town.

Charlie Girl Nov 20th, 2001 05:45 AM

I am trying to find "Venus Beauty Institute" to rent. I live in the New York City area and our local Blockbuster does not carry it. Any suggestions? Thanks.


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