"Amelie" or "In the Bedroom"?

Robert Crawford · 02-08-2002, 04:36 AM

Man, life in an average size midwestern city sucks the big one for a film buff, the only films you see at your local theaters are main releases such as "Rollerball", "Collateral Damage", or "Big Fat Liar". I had my heart set on seeing "Monster's Ball" today but unfortunately for me, it isn't opening in my local area this weekend. Oh well, at least "Amelie" and "In the Bedroom" are opening. Both of those titles I was going to wait until I bought the dvds but now due to my desire to get over my disappointment of not seeing "Monster's Ball" I need to see at least one film with some substance which rules out Arnold and those other two main releases. So my question to HTF's film buffs is which film will give me the most cinematic pleasure? Or should I see both? Thanks for any responses.

Crawdaddy

Matt Stone · 02-08-2002, 05:19 AM

Hilarious Crawdaddy, same damn thing happened to me, with Monster's Ball none-the-less. I even made a post about it...and I would comment on Amelie or In the Bedroom, but "Backhills, Indiana" hasn't gotten them yet either, hehe.

Tino · 02-08-2002, 06:05 AM

I haven't seen Amelie yet, I seem to keep missing it and it is high on my must see list, as is Monsters Ball.

I did see In The Bedroom, and thought it was a decent, if not somewhat overrated,
film with very good acting.

I guess it depends on what mood you're in since they apparently are two very different films.

Paul_D · 02-08-2002, 06:22 AM

Robert,

I've never been more sure of a recommendation, than I am about the following:

See 'Amelie'. I saw it 3 times here in London when it was released last year. It is a magical, breathtaking film. It's amazingly funny, and beautifully shot. The performances are wonderful, and its just such a gentle, touching story. Its one of the all time greatest French movies, and you MUST NOT pass up the chance of seeing this one in a theater. If you perfer to watch the DVD, then the French R2 version is great - but you have to be able to speak French.

Overall, 6/5.

I saw 'In the Bedroom' last week, and, although its a brilliantly thoughtful, superbly acted script, it isn't everything the critics have made it out to be. Tom Wilkinson is marvelous in his role. And it is far more emotionally complex than your average revenge drama. But its pace is unusually ploding, and the plot's relevatory twists and turns are remarkably predictable. 4/5 for acting and direction.

See 'Amelie'. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Edwin Pereyra · 02-08-2002, 08:48 AM

These are two very different films. You should have a fun time watching Amelie. It is a breath of fresh air with a nice story and some fine cinematography.

In The Bedroom is an acting piece and emotionally involving, as well, with some very good directing and camera work from Todd Field.

In my judgement, you should see both of them as they are two of this year's best films.

~Edwin

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Michael Reuben · 02-08-2002, 09:43 AM

I haven't seen (and won't be seeing) Amelie, but I can easily recommend In the Bedroom. I agree with Paul that's it's been critically overhyped, and I've been predicting some sort of backlash for a while. But its few weaknesses are in the writing and pacing; the acting is some of the best to grace the screen in recent years.

M.

Mark Pfeiffer · 02-08-2002, 09:49 AM

Two terrific films. I'd go watch Amelie again before seeing In the Bedroom.

Joel Mack · 02-08-2002, 11:23 AM

I'm with Mark on this one.

Fortunately for me, "Monster's Ball" opened here in Omaha today.

TheLongshot · 02-08-2002, 03:07 PM

Another vote for Amelie. One of the best films I've seen this year. To be fair, I haven't seen In The Bedroom.

Jason

Seth Paxton · 02-08-2002, 04:16 PM

Amelie will probably be the more overall joyful experience. I think it's direction is more lively and invigorated, the pace is kept and a brisk but steady level.

In the Bedroom is a little too slow, although the story itself does demand a lower pace. I just think it could still run a tad faster. Also, it is more of a minimalist style, very little soundtrack except at a few key moments. The acting is excellent and it's a quality film, but Amelie is simply more full of life.

Matt, drive down to Castleton. Monster's Ball just opened there today.

They also still have Gosford Park and In the Bedroom. Robert's dream theater I guess.

Craig S · 02-08-2002, 05:05 PM

Crawdaddy, I'm with most of the respondents here. In The Bedroom is a great film, with some of the best performances of the year. But if you can pick only one, go with Amelie. You will come out of the theater walking on air (and probably in love with Audrey Tautou). It's the best "feel good" film in a long time.

And now I'm off to see Monster's Ball (sorry about that).