After the Cameras Stopped: Amelie (2001)

Note: Before anyone gets the wrong idea, let me state emphatically: I love Amelie. This movie is my Prozac. Whenever I'm feeling down or particularly troubled by a disturbing movie, all I have to do is pop this in. Within seconds I'm put at ease. So yeah, this post isn't meant as an attack on the movie—just my attempt at humor.

Amelie (2001)
dir. Jean-Pierre Jeunet



The Story: Awkward Amelie can't connect with people. Frustrated by her social anxiety, she decides to make others' lives better. Through a series of ninja-esque good deeds (silent but heartwarming), she brightens the lives of those around her. After becoming smitten by a porn store employee, she concocts a series of games to entice the lad. But she can never draw the inner strength to actually introduce herself. Fortunately, the lad soon discovers her identity, tracks her down to her apartment, and magic happens: they embrace, make kissy face, ride off together, and live happily ever after.

What Happened After the Cameras Stopped: The two find happiness in each other. For a time. But he eventually grows tired of her quirks. What was once charming has now grown annoying. She, having lived alone with her own meticulous routine for so long, never quite adjusts to relationship life: whereas she used to answer to no one but herself, she now has to plan around the boyfriend. Although they never have what could properly be deemed an argument, they do decide it would be best if they split. Within six months they amicably end the relationship.

Also, they both die alone.