- Today I feel as quirky as Audrey Tatou, especially in the role of Amelie, which is a beyond wonderful film.
I worked every day this holiday weekend, and I spent a lot of time outside of my apartment, which is usually good for me, and I did a lot of thinking about preference. About the ranking of quality and such. This is what makes me think of Amelie, and Ms. Tatou.
Amelie just seems so interesting in the movie, because her likes are so specific and different, and inexplicably simply. But we all have likes and dislikes that are inexplicable. Like, my hate of Abba for instance, which is strange for me who usually likes upbeat music. And my love of riding the subway when it gets into queens, and watching New York grow farther away, and watching the triborough bridge. And I love dreaming about the people I might meet doing things like, my laundry, or grocery shopping.
I guess this all stems from my recent interest in writing, or in stories, or really mainly in the question of what makes something interesting enough to be appealing to a large group or many groups of people. And sometimes its epic stories like star wars. And other times its things as little as breaking souffle crusts (you really need to see Amelie if you haven’t, and don’t give me that “i don’t read subtitles” shit… if you won’t read subtitles, then learn french, but watch the movie).
And I’ve found any little thing can just as easily ruin something for someone. Like my friend Stephanie who is extremely afraid of aliens, and therefore can’t watch star wars, which otherwise I’m pretty sure she would have found completely brilliant. Or Leigh who can’t appreciate Ewan McGregor’s acting because she is too distracted by his mole on his forehead.
Basically anything can be interesting, and anything can be repelling. Perhaps, in the creative process, we have to concentrate on our wants. Something you would think would be easier. But its not always the case.
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Tags: Abba, aliens, Amelie, Audrey Tatou, creative process, Ewan McGregor, french, moles, quirks, souffles, star wars, subtitles, working holidays
Hi Patti!
I think with the creative process being so subjective to the person who is doing the creating, when we concentrate on what makes us (the creators) sit up and take notice, then that will make others take notice too. Like you said, concentrate on our wants.
A lot of people I have talked to who don’t think of themselves as creative, think it is difficult to appeal to anyone, but I’m of the thought that an individual does not have “unique” interests (and more, I doubt that there is a truly unique, one-of-a-kind person out there – I mean, even serial killers have things in common with other serial killers and they’re said to be missing a few parts), and if that’s true, then their creation is going to interest others – it may be 3 people or it may be the masses.
This is all sort of academic, but I hope you can see what I’m saying – what I’m puttin’ down.
I agree, though, anything can be seen as the two opposites – appealing or repelling, or even somewhere in the muddled middle. But, no creator will ever appeal to or appease everyone. Nor should they I think. If they did, then their work, their creations, would be meaningless.
This is so strange….I just happened to come across your blog while sitting here watching “Amélie,” which happens to be on Ovation right now….I haven’t even noticed it being on TV that often, at least on a non-pay channel, but it’s on now (with commercials, unfortunately), & I decided to Google for pictures of Audrey Tatou (with whom I’m madly in love, but don’t tell my wife!), because I think she’s a terrific actress….Have also seen her in “A Very Long Engagement” (I forget the French title) & “The DaVinci Code,” of course, but it’s just interesting to come across your mention of her. Anyway, good luck with your writing. (I’m a former teacher, have done some newspaper writing, have always been interested in journalism, but have never gotten myself untracked with creative writing.) Keep it up!