Everyone has their favourite movie, but have you ever thought about your favourite movie soundtrack? For me, it’s Amélie. Composed by Yann Tiersen, the soundtrack will take you on an adventure in France without even watching the film.
Queue my favourite soundtrack of all time and let’s dive in! (If you do not like this soundtrack, I will be heartbroken)
Amélie is a French film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet originally released in 2001. The film is a romantic comedy about the life of Amélie Poulain, played by Audrey Tautou. She is a shy and curious young woman who lives in Paris, works in a cafe in Montmartre and thoughtfully meddles in people’s lives so as not to focus on her own.
Jean-Pierre originally wanted Michael Nyman to score the film before discovering Yann Tiersen, and thank goodness he did! I think Tiersen perfectly captures Amélie’s sweet and whimsical nature through his music. He features instruments such as the accordion, piano, toy piano and harpsichord to build the world of Amélie. In 2002, the film’s soundtrack won the César Award for Best Music Written for a Film.
Standout Album Tracks
La valse d’Amélie – This piece is the basis of the film’s soundtrack and Amélie’s theme. We hear elements of this melody repeated many times throughout Tiersen’s score. I love the accordion and harpsichord used in this track; it makes me feel like I could be wandering the streets of Paris. As the piece progresses, you can hear a complex series of notes building to a crescendo while still following the main melody’s theme.
The soundtrack also includes an orchestra and piano version of this piece. If you were an avid piano nerd like myself growing up, I guarantee you learned this version and felt like an artsy prodigy playing it.
Comptine d’un autre été, l’après-midi – This is arguably Yann Tiersen’s most famous piece and a favourite among Amélie fans. Solely played on piano, it evokes a calm curiosity. It is played when Amélie is enjoying the small moments in her life and spying on her neighbour who diligently paints a Renoir replica.
L’autre valse d’Amélie – Tiersen uses elements of La valse d’Amélie in this track. The main instrument of the piece is the accordion, and it expertly builds the hustle and bustle of the streets of Paris.
La redécouverte – I love that Tiersen has this piece played on the toy piano! Very fitting as well since this track is played while Amélie reflects on her childhood. Again, we hear elements of Amélie’s theme woven throughout the piece with the accordion joining in halfway through.
While I adore the soundtrack of Amélie, the entire film is a beautiful piece of art. I love how the film has an orange-and-green tinge, making the viewer feel almost nostalgic. Its quirky story (the travelling garden gnome!) and unique shots are made even better by the incredible soundtrack by Tiersen. It’s one of my comfort movies, and I like to regularly listen to and rewatch it.
If you have not seen Amélie, treat yourself and watch it this weekend. In my opinion c’est parfait!
What’s your favourite film soundtrack? Do you love the music of Amélie as much as I do? Let me know in the comments below!
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Feature photo credit HERE
Sound & Colour 
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