Great Scene: “Amélie”

The wordless ending of the lovely 2001 fantasy romance.

Plot summary: Amélie is an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love.

Scenario by Guillaume Laurant and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, dialogue by Guillaume Laurant.

Scene setup: Amélie has been attempting to woo Nino in her own naive way for almost the entirety of the time first laid eyes on him. But it just seems like the young lovers who could be may not every actually act on their feelings.

Here is the movie version of the scene:

There are considerable small changes from script to screen. The most notable thing is the kiss. The end is played much sweeter, less erotic passion.

The main thing is this: The ending is a classic example of what they call in Hollywood a “Give ’em what they expect … then give ’em what they want.” We are led to believe they won’t get together (what we expect). But then they do get together (what we want).

Great scene in a wonderfully whimsical film!

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