Curiously, a very brief musical queue from the ending of the first phrase of 'Gnomus' from Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" seems to be heard as Amelie spins down a seat in the photo booth before discovering the Photo Booth Mystery Man. (Odd placement in the film though.) Were there other musical quotes associated with gnomes in the film?
So many things that never ever crossed my mind! I loved Amelie when I went to see it - and have not rewatched it since - I'm a little afraid to watch things I love sometimes for fear it doesn't hold up. But you've inspired me to try it again! I can't believe it's over 20 years old! Aside from the travelocity gnomes - gnomes kind of weird me out - but they dominate the European style Christmas markets that pop up here in Tokyo every winter. They're all mostly made of wool and and very unassuming. And I never knew that Kafka story - thanks for introducing me to it! Happy almost New Year!
So nice to see you back here! Funny that gnomes found their way to the Tokyo markets. They are weird. The movie does hold up (I hope!) but I feel the same way - most movies are not nearly as good as I remembered. I guess that might make this one a classic now.
Nice to hear that Kafka story is basically true. As far as the other subject, I've taken to wearing a pointy red hat these last few years and your criticisms have unsettled me. Should I stop wearing it, in public at least? I really do like it.
Curiously, a very brief musical queue from the ending of the first phrase of 'Gnomus' from Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" seems to be heard as Amelie spins down a seat in the photo booth before discovering the Photo Booth Mystery Man. (Odd placement in the film though.) Were there other musical quotes associated with gnomes in the film?
That's so cool that you found that! No idea, but happy to try to look!
Any idea if Kafka's doll (or the stories surrounding it) inspired the Flat Stanley craze?
I'm pretty sure I had a friend whose mom collected gnomes, but that memory is still really fuzzy.
Oh good question, not sure about flat Stanley! They should make flat gnomes though for better transport
So many things that never ever crossed my mind! I loved Amelie when I went to see it - and have not rewatched it since - I'm a little afraid to watch things I love sometimes for fear it doesn't hold up. But you've inspired me to try it again! I can't believe it's over 20 years old! Aside from the travelocity gnomes - gnomes kind of weird me out - but they dominate the European style Christmas markets that pop up here in Tokyo every winter. They're all mostly made of wool and and very unassuming. And I never knew that Kafka story - thanks for introducing me to it! Happy almost New Year!
So nice to see you back here! Funny that gnomes found their way to the Tokyo markets. They are weird. The movie does hold up (I hope!) but I feel the same way - most movies are not nearly as good as I remembered. I guess that might make this one a classic now.
I'll watch and report back :-)
Nice to hear that Kafka story is basically true. As far as the other subject, I've taken to wearing a pointy red hat these last few years and your criticisms have unsettled me. Should I stop wearing it, in public at least? I really do like it.
As I write this I am in fact wearing a Santa hat, so no share there at all. (Also, as previously noted, my house is cold).