Blog #3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuntz3KDIAk

Amélie (2001)

In the film Amélie, there are several different camera movements and perspectives that take place in order for the viewer to understand the plot. In this particular scene, the viewer becomes transformed as if he or she is walking with the main character. The scene begins with a low angle shot of the character as she walks alone. The camera angle and the character’s facial expression gives the viewer a sense that she feels superior and committed. The camera then, still with a motivated camera movement, begins to turn around the main character’s head, as if she now leads the way. It gives the viewer a sense of we don’t know what’s going to happen next. Similarly, z-angle shots are given to show depth of the city street. When Amélie notices a blind man, the camera zooms into her face, creating an extreme closeup. This implies that she is focused and ready to make a move. As she walks off and grabs his arm, the camera shakily follows. The shakiness of the camera gives the viewers an understanding of the busy streets they are walking on. What ever is mentioned in the dialogue, the camera quickly moves to show the image. There are also jump cuts to show the viewer images at an even faster pace. There is a distinct sense of match action and eyeline matches, as they walk along the street side by side. At the end of the scene, she leaves him and the camera moves up to almost a bird’s eye view, or otherwise referred to as the 180 rule with people walking symmetrically alongside. Sounds also included, such as busy cars, birds chirping, people walking or laughing, give the viewer an even deeper understanding of what the setting is like.