Edinburgh’s Dominion Cinema is among more than 100 cinemas across the UK offering free screenings of Amelie on March 9 and 10 to mark the French film’s 25th anniversary. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou, the 2001 romantic comedy became an unexpected global phenomenon, grossing $174.4 million at the box office and earning five Oscar nominations and two BAFTA wins.
The screenings are organised by Escapes, an initiative supported by the British Film Institute with National Lottery funding, timed to coincide with National Lottery Open Week. Ben Luxford, BFI director of UK-wide audiences, said: “25 years on, audiences continue to fall in love with Amelie. It is bold, joyful, and as wonderful to watch as ever.”
Other Scottish cinemas participating include the Grosvenor Picture Theatre in Glasgow, Montrose Playhouse, Studio Cinema in Dunoon, Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre in Dumfries, Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy, Pavilion Cinema in Galashiels, Lanternhouse Cinema in Cumbernauld, Lansdale Annan Cinema, Waterfront Cinema in Greenock, and Omniplex Glasgow.
A French language romantic comedy becoming a worldwide cultural touchstone was improbable in 2001, and it remains improbable now. Amelie succeeded because it was unlike anything else: whimsical without being saccharine, stylish without being pretentious, and anchored by Tautou’s performance. If you have never seen it, a free screening at your local independent cinema is about as perfect an introduction as you could ask for. If you have seen it, 25 years is reason enough to watch it again.