Movie Recommendation: Amelie

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Hi Everyone,

I have been thinking about this movie quite a bit lately. 'Amelie' is a French movie (I don't speak French, but I can read subtitles) that was released in 2001. It stars Audrey Tautou (the beautiful lady who is known for playing Gabrielle Coco Chanel in the movie 'Coco Avant Chanel') and is directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. 'Amelie' is an interesting movie that never fails to amuse me or inspire me.

I know that this movie is definitely not unheard of and that a lot of people have seen it. I just think that it is such a great movie that more people should watch it. Unfortunately if you don't speak French, you will have to "read" the movie through subtitles, but I found after a while that I got so used to reading them that it didn't feel like I was reading. I thought one of the advantages of it being a French movie were the added beauty of the way the language translates to English. I have noticed with the few french movies that I have seen, that they have some unique ways of phrasing things, which can sometimes add to the drama or the humor in a scene.

Audrey Tautou plays the main character Amelie who is a bit of a dreamer. She is the kind of person that I feel like I can relate to. She a bit of a loner, she has an overactive imagination (hence being referred to as a "dreamer"), she cares about others and she sees the good/bad in people. I'm sure a lot of people can relate to these traits and I think this is the perfect movie to watch if you are feeling like a bit of an outcast. 

In the movie Amelie finds something in her apartment that leads her to change her own life. The movie really enforces the idea of karma and that everything is connected. Even though Amelie goes about doing good deeds in a secretive manner, her generous nature does not go unnoticed by her wise old neighbor who encourages her to live her life to the fullest. In the film Amelie meets many characters living with regrets which positions the audience to embrace this idea.

If you are an arty type, I think you will enjoy this film because of the way that it is made. The movie has its own colour scheme going on and it has some very quirky exaggerated scenes that I think would appeal to artists and writers alike. It definitely is the kind of movie that can inspire creativity.

I must admit there were some parts of the movie that I found a little too crude. Well, not exactly crude, but definitely a bit "in-your-face". So don't go putting this one on when there are young kids around! I think it was supposed to add to the humor and go with the style of the film, but I actually didn't enjoy those bits. I think there are a lot of funny moments in the film. While Amelie is a bit of a dreamer, you can see that all of the characters are unusual in their own way, And, most of them are too caught up in their own lives to see the bigger picture.

'Amelie' isn't just a movie that will make you laugh, but it is the kind of film that will encourage you to think a little deeply about life. If you haven't already seen 'Amelie' I highly recommend it. I think it is the perfect movie for someone who identifies themselves as a bit of dreamer. Or, for someone who is not feeling the greatest I think this movie would be a perfect pick-me-up. 

And now for the pictures:

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If you would like to view the image source for a picture, click on the little star underneath.

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

No. I do not speak french.

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I haven't seen a whole heap of french movies, but what I have seen ranks pretty highly in my collection. I only own like two albums in french. It's not much, but it's enough to make me seem weird if I ever bring it up. I'm not trying to sound sophisticated either. I don't speak french. 

I stumbled upon french movies and french music accidentally. One morning before my afternoon shift at the department store I decided to pull out this movie I bought and watch it. It was called 'La Vie En Rose' and all I knew was that it had won some awards and that it was starring the famous Marion Cotillard of the fashion world. To my surprise it was french. I understood it via subtitles and I loved that it was a little bit left of centre. 

Reading something off of a screen takes a while to get used to, but after a while you don't even realise you are doing it. Having to read a movie means that you give it your full attention. I especially liked watching 'La Vie En Rose' because it introduced me to Edith Piaf and I liked learning about her life and reading the interesting lyrics to her songs. 

All the other movies I have seen are Audrey Tautou movies and the other CD (one is Edith Piaf) is a 'So Frenchy So Chic' film festival compilation. When I listen to my french CDs I don't understand anything. Sometimes I look up the translation of the lyrics and get a gist of what the song is about. Sometimes I sing along to Edith Piaf in my car and know that I am probably butchering the words and really singing something that doesn't quite make sense because I can't pull of that accent.

I don't mind not understanding the words. There is something about a french accent that sounds really good and I think sometimes not understanding is just as beautiful as understanding. It's like connecting to a song through empathy or something. And not understanding, clears your mind and allows you to really enjoy the music. I also like some of the instruments used. In Edith Piaf's music there is a lot of Accordion and piano. The film festival soundtrack has a lot of Kooky acoustic tunes on it with a few interesting instrumental choices. One of my favourites features a saw. 

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I chose the french, because french came to me and because what I have seen so far fits into the genres that I usually go for. I think too that I have been subjected to too many movies where the characters go to Paris that I have been taught to love it. I don't know if I will ever learn the language or visit though. I think if I did it might be like that 'Monte Carlo' movie for me. My expectations would be too high and I'd be disappointed that there was no Gene Kelly tap dancing in the streets, giving candy to all of the children and singing about Lise. And, I think sometimes learning about something can take a lot of the fun out of it and it becomes more like a chore. Even if it is a beautiful language.

Audrey Tautou in 'Coco Avant Chanel'

I know this is a random post, but I just thought I would share some of my thoughts about listening to something in another language. I don't really know anyone else's thoughts on it...

If you are going to watch a french movie I highly suggest 'Amelie' starring Audrey Tautou. This is one of my favourite movies. It is a feel good movie and is good for a laugh. Amelie has a very cool sense of style and she is the most interesting character ever. 

Audrey Hepburn in 'Funny Face'

Have you ever watched a film in another language? Do you like the music of Edith Piaf?

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

My Top 10 Movie Suggestions for Valentines Day

I've seen heaps of beauty tutorials and gift guides on the blogosphere for Valentine's day, so instead of doing either of those things I decided to write a list of movies that you could choose to watch that night. I know a lot of people like to go out for dinner on Valentine's day, but I am not one of those people. Mainly because I am single and Valentine's dinners are for doubles, but also because I'm never really one for going out and I know that there will be a few people (including couples) staying in to avoid busy restaurants. I did think of a few more movies, but they all had a bit of a melancholy vibe and I thought "Who wants to cry on Valentine's Day?".

I'm breaking this list of ten into two groups. The first group is for the people who want to watch something romantic, while the second is for those that aren't really feeling the love. I didn't include any "vintage" era films (unless you class the 80s as vintage) or teen films because I wanted to choose movies that a larger range of people would enjoy.

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1. Pretty Woman is a classic. If you haven't watched it then I really suggest that you do. It is a very original movie and if you are going to buy a DVD than this one definitely has re-watch potential. Also, in the extras you can watch the director and Richard Gere having a jam session off-set.

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2. Pride & Prejudice has been "The Love Story" for years before it was made into a mini-series. I really like this film version with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet. I'm not sure if this is everyones cup of tea, but I'm sure it's one that some of the bookish wouldn't mind watching on Valentine's Day.

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3. Dirty Dancing  is another one of those films that you can watch over and over again. I have to be honest. I stole this idea from a tv ad. Something about costing people $20 to buy a ticket and watch it in a cinema on V-Day. Stuff that. Got the VHS at home and the couch is comfier...

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4. Valentine's Day is a movie about the very day that this list is designed for. It's one of those Mish-Mash films that has a bunch of different characters all experiencing their own mini-drama while I watch and try to figure out how all the characters are connected. Because they always are.

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5. Letters to Juliet is about a girl finding a letter, meeting the woman who wrote it and trying to find the man it was meant for.


Not Feeling the Love?
If you're not really feeling it this Valentine's day, this list is for you. These movies still are about love and do generally have an optimistic sort of ending, but they don't all start off super hopeful. Plus, whenever I watch these my mum complains that they are depressing (well except for 'High Fidelity' where "he swears to much" and 'Get Over It' which she hasn't really seen).

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6. He's just not that into you is actually based on a self-help book. Apparently some of the advice ^that guy gives is based on the advice in the book. I think this movie is funny. The story is kind of down on love, but Gigi is always optimistic. Stars some famous people and I know a lot of my friends in high school didn't like this movie because it wasn't as fabulous as they thought it was going to be. I think it was just because it wasn't a super romantic movie...

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7. The Romantics was a movie I got on sale. I didn't even know about it before then. It stars Katie Holmes, Adam Brody, Anna Paquin and Josh Duhamel. It is definitely a bit depressing, but if you are feeling down on love, that's kinda what you're going for isn't it? This group of friends really can't decide who they are going to be with and while the ending is not definite, it is hopeful.

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8. 500 Days of Summer is absolutely hilarious. Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is one of those guys who makes the mistake of falling in love with a girl who doesn't love him back. Tom handles this in a very dramatic way and the timeline is not chronological.

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9. High Fidelity is a movie for all the music nerds out there. And, this guy^ talks about the top 5 breakups in his life so far.

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10. Get over it. In this movie Berke Landers doesn't handle his break-up particularly well and decides to star in the high-schools musical attempt of 'A Mid Summer Nights Dream' in hope that he can get his dream girl back.

So, there it is. I hope you enjoyed my list of Valentine's Day movie suggestions.

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Haul/Update: Beauty Crazed

Hi guys,

I went a little crazy after Christmas and bought a bunch of things online. I haven't received all of it yet, but I decided to get a haul up, so that I could start to put some of this stuff away. I haven't included absolutely everything, because I want to leave possibilities there for other posts including those items. I'm going to try not to rant and rave too much, because I don't know what I might choose to review and I don't want to get too repetitive. I have also included a few other interesting things that I've been into.

^As you can see I have chosen the picture of these two books by Lauren Rennells as the "post picture". If you follow me on Facebook you will know that I am a little obsessed with these already. I will be posting up reviews at some point. 

 ^This is what my nails look like at the moment. Random colour choice I know...

 ^Here are my new nail products. I have bought three of Revlon's 'Chromo Chameleon' colours, 2 X Ulra3, a Face Australia colour, A Revlon glitter polish (with hearts in it), a glitter polish my mum bought me, Butter Matte Top Coat, Cutex top coat, Essence products (Base, nail art quick dry drops, cuticle oil and nail art corrector pen) and three nail art pens (in black, white and baby pink).

 ^I bought a tonne of make-up brushes from different brands

 ^I bought a Lipcote lipstick seal, Revlon lipstick, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, FOA Gel Eyeliner.

^From Crush Cosmetics I bought NYX blotting paper, NYX finishing sprays (one in dewy, one in matte), Matte Bronzer in light, Sally Hansen Miracle Care gloss and NYX Wonder Pencil in medium.

^I bought some Sleek eye shadow palettes, a brow Kit, a matte lip colour, a gloss, three multi-purpose pencils and a concealer.

 The supermarket had a deal on Batiste dry shampoo. There were two packs and I bought both of them. The cherry eye mask and shower cap were included in the packs I bought.

^I bought a bunch of Sukin products (shown in picture: face moisturiser, cleanser and mist toner), oil-free make-up remover, simple make-up remover, witch hazel blemish stick and BE mud mask. I have no idea how good any of this is yet, because I have not used all of the products and I have only been using some of them for a couple of days. 

I also bought Sukin shampoo and conditioner and some new body moisturisers from other brands.

YOUTUBE CHANNELS:

I have been watching a few different youtube channels lately. I'll list links to my favourites here:

LisaFreemontStreet - A beauty/hair channel that focuses on a lot of retro looks

Elleandish - Nail art Channel

Nailed It NZ - More Nail Art Goodness

Thrift Thick - beauty reviews

Glamour Daze - retro footage of beauty/skincare/fashion stuff

BLOGS:

Land Girl 1980 - retro blog with lots of stuff about curling hair.

Mermaidens - A whole heap of cute

Bobby Pin Blog - The blog of 'Retro Makeup' and 'Vintage Hairstyling' author Lauren Rennells

MOVIES I WATCHED AND LOVED:

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'Looking for Alibrandi' based on a book by Melina Marchetta. 

-I may do a book vs movie comparison on this. 

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'Crazy Stupid Love'

-Funny!

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'One for The Money'

-Once I got over Katherine Heigl's Jersey accent I really enjoyed this.

Hope you are all having a lovely Holiday. Back to work soon! Did you get anything at the boxing day sales?

Your Favourite Blogger

Natalie

The Great Gatsby Premiere

Last night our town had a premiere of 'The Great Gatsby'. It was a dress-up event with raffles, supper and drinks. I was really surprised at just how many people actually made an effort to dress-up/attend the night and there were some really cool outfits. I went with my older cousin and did her hair in finger-waves (sorry I didn't get any pictures of it).

I wore a lace dress that my aunt bought for me when I was in grade twelve. I hadn't tried on the dress since and while it fitted, the petticoat it came with was a little firm (so I guess I will have to invest in a new black petticoat). I took a 2nd hand chiffon blouse to wear over the dress in the cold air-conditioning and a tapestry bag I bought at the markets. The only jewellery I wore was a pair of dangle chandelier earrings and I wore my new limecrime lippy. My mum had a pale powder that really suited and I actually wore eyeliner pencil under my eyes for a change. (Didn't get any nice close-ups of the make-up either). I let my cousin borrow a lacy dress of mine (I have a bit of a thing for lace dresses!)

^This is what I wore. Mum is taking the picture for a change. And, it is a black dress, but I edited the photos for a more dramatic effect.

^Here is a picture of a mini-mag that came with VOGUE and my copy of 'The Great Gatsby' that I read about two years ago.

When I came out of the cinema I wasn't really sure. I really liked the visuals, the parties, the costumes, the soundtrack, the story, but I just wasn't convinced that I loved it. Today I found myself mulling over certain scenes. Over less than a day I can say that the film has really grown on me and that I am really anxious about getting the DVD. The selling point was Leo Di Caprio and the emotion that he displayed. 

I know that a lot of bloggers are really going to go out of their way to analyse the film and compare it to the great F Scott Fitzgerald novel. As I have said before I am able to appreciate these novel-to-film adaptations as separate entities and while I will tend to choose a favourite, I generally don't hate "the other one" unless it is indeed bad. I thought Mr Baz did a great job of converting it to a film (I was actually worried that it wouldn't be a long enough film). As far as fictional characters go, we all tend to have our own ideas of what they would look like or sound like in our own minds so it is never going to be spot on. 

One thing I was curious about was the authenticity. I knew that they were doing a modern (upbeat) soundtrack and that there were going to be some opinions about that. I was really happy with the soundtrack and thought it was nicely done. I didn't notice any slip-ups on the directors part, but I'm sure there will be some (there always are). The film was also a slow, long film (which is to be expected with a costume film), but it kept me interested the whole time...

I think that like the book, the movie has some great messages in it and does really make you think about how you treat people. I think that if you liked 'Marie Antoinette' that you will possibly like this, similar sort of thing in another era... Yay for the twenties!

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Art, Style and Unusual Films

So it's a Saturday morning and I have been contemplating writing posts all week, but have just been too preoccupied with possibilities for new artworks, my awesome samsung galaxy tab 2 and with making polyvore sets. This post is a mix of a few things I have been considering posting, but was unsure about. I wanted to post some pics of my outfit, post pics of my artworks and talk about some movies I have seen recently.

This is my outfit today. A white T-shirt with black stripes. Courtesy of Coles supermarket. A Target skirt. It's an oyster skirt and I had to stitch all of the belt loops back on because the person who originally made the skirt didn't do a very good job. I don't know if you can see very well, but I have my top-line eyeliner done and there is a mirror necklace on my neck. And, I'm taking pictures of myself in the mirror. 

I'm taking this picture so obviously with the camera poised right in front of my mouth. It's so difficult to take pictures of yourself inconspicuously so I figured I may as well include the camera in the picture. So I am comically covering up my mouth with the camera looking into it like I am really concentrating in the first photo, like I am really curious looking in the second.

I'm not planning on going anywhere today and there is a possibility that I will have to swap the skirt for some daggy shorts to do some outside chores...

^These are some of my artworks. They look a bit pixilated thanks to the snipper tool, but what can you do? The one one the left is an ink drawing I did in my new notebook and the one on the bottom right is a pastel artwork I did. All the rest are gouache. 

I know I've been promising to show these off for a while and a few of the people who answered my survey asked me to flaunt these on the blog so I thought I'd better. I recently got some new art things, so I might be able to do some more and maybe show bigger pictures so you can get a closer look in the future.

Recently I've watched some interesting movies. I've watched 'Life Happens', 'The Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind', 'I am Number 4', 'The Sorcerers Apprentice', 'Once upon a Song' and 'Mirror Mirror'. Those, and some old favourites. Today I think I want to talk about the unusual ones.

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Above is a picture form the film 'Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind'. I've had a friend recommend the movie to me and I had high hopes because Kate Winslet and Jim Carey are awesome actors and the storyline sounded cool. I was a little disappointed because it was a little bit too wacky for my liking, but I do give it praise for the analytical thoughts that ensued afterwards. I don't know that I will be watching it again anytime soon, but I think it's worth some discussion.

Basically what happens is that Mr Joel Barrish (Jim Carey) meets a girl named Clementine and he falls in love with her kooky personality. They go out for a while, things start to head south and before it's officially over Clementine decides to do something impulsive and go to this backstreet clinic to get Joel removed from her memory. Joel finds out and decides to do the same. Mid procedure Joel decides that is not what he wants but it's too late to change his mind.

One confusing thing about the film is the revelation that this is not chronological. As the film goes further on you realise that some of what is occurring is the procedure, some is post-procedure and some is pre-procedure. It's all mashed together and it takes a while to get your head around the messed up time-line. What's interesting about the procedure is how quickly the memories mash together to create interesting scenes like the one shown above. A bed on a beach, rain in an apartment, sand in a library...

I really liked the characters and their messed up relationship. But, I'm not sure I liked the mixture of scenes and the strange attempts to escape memory loss. I think the main point of the movie is to show exactly what memory is. It does mean something, but it's not imperative to how you turn out in the end. If anything most of the characters that have the procedure done seem to repeat history. All that they loose is what they have learnt.

I didn't love the film. I think I could have liked it if the ending had been different. If they had confirmed that they were going to stick together, but there wasn't really any decision made. They just sort of laughed and then the credits were showed.

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The second unusual film I wanted to talk about was 'Mirror Mirror' which is a retelling of 'Snow White'. May I just say that I thought Lily Collins made a wonderful Snow White and that Julia Roberts (surprisingly) really suited the role of Evil Queen. I thought the costumes were wonderful and I really like the paintings on the walls of Snow's room. 

I think this was a different take on Snow White. The princess was more kick-ass than usual, but didn't loose her delicate feminine charm. The gnomes were giant bandits and the princess first meets the prince when he has been robbed of everything bar his underclothes. It was a funny take on the fairy tale, but there was still plenty of romance and magic in the tale.

I liked how the directors really went wild with the costumes and changed the story-line. I imagine that this story will probably be more appealing to the younger generations and that they might learn a thing or two about judging people or using manners. My only dislike was the song at the end, but I think that's just personal preference.

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I recently got myself a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and have just discovered this^ (That you can Customise your icons). That isn't my screen above. i can't wait to have a play around with polyvore and the snipper tool to create something cool like this!

Hope you are having a lovely weekend so far !

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie