In 2002, the world fell in love with Amélie, a charming French romantic fantasy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Starring Audrey Tautou as the whimsical and lovable Amélie Poulain, the film transported audiences to the enchanting streets of Paris. Now, nearly two decades later, Amélie has returned to theaters in a re-release by Sony Pictures Classics, just in time for Valentine's Day. Additionally, Jeunet has gifted fans with a delightful new short film called The True Story of Amélie Poulain, which uncovers the unexpected backstory of this iconic character.
Amélie tells the story of a waitress named Amélie Poulain who works in a charming Montmartre bar. With a knack for observing people and a wild imagination, Amélie discovers her purpose in life: to solve other people's problems. However, her own happiness is put to the test when she encounters the offbeat Nino Quincampoix, played by Mathieu Kassovitz.
Recently, Jean-Pierre Jeunet sat down with PEOPLE to reflect on the film's journey since its release. He reminisced about the movie's four Oscar nominations, including Best International Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Sound Mixing. To Jeunet's surprise, Amélie faced an initial setback when it was rejected by the Cannes Film Festival. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the rejection stirred up controversy and generated even more interest in the film.
Jeunet fondly recalls the phenomenal worldwide success of Amélie, which grossed an impressive $174 million. However, for Audrey Tautou, the film's popularity came with its own set of challenges. It seems that Tautou struggled with fame and found it difficult to embrace her newfound recognition. According to Jeunet, she even contemplated quitting her acting career due to the discomfort of being recognized on the street and having her picture taken without permission. Jeunet encouraged her to persevere and reminded her of the privileged position she held.
Despite the difficulties, Jeunet speaks highly of Tautou as an actress. He admires her versatility, humor, and precision in her craft. Tautou's ability to evoke laughter, tears, and a wide range of emotions makes her a perfect fit for the unique character of Amélie.
One can hardly discuss Amélie without mentioning its enchanting score. The film's composer, Yann Tiersen, became involved in the project in a rather serendipitous way. As Jeunet recalls, he stumbled upon Tiersen's music when a driver played it during their commute to the film set. Impressed by the beautiful melodies, Jeunet felt that it was a sign and hastily enlisted Tiersen to compose the film's score. Tiersen's music perfectly complements the whimsical nature of the film, and Jeunet considers it a match made in cinematic heaven.
Now, audiences have the opportunity to relive the magic of Amélie as it graces theaters once again. As we step back into the world of Amélie Poulain, we are reminded of the power of imagination, the importance of kindness, and the enduring allure of Paris. Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering Amélie for the first time, this film is sure to captivate and enchant audiences of all ages. Don't miss your chance to experience the joy and wonder of Amélie on the big screen.
