Twelve facts about Amour you should know
“I don’t remember the film either. But I remember the feelings.”
Some films ends but the emotions they left still remaining. One of these movies, Amour. It is the subject of my discussion today. I got the chance to see this legendary movie which the entire world hailed as a success, for the first time last weekend. After watching the movie, I can see why it won twenty-seven awards in addition to the Palme d’Or.
The film follows the couple Georges and Anne, both in their 80s and retired piano teachers. The couple’s struggle with the disease is discussed, with Anne’s paralysis after an illness and the worsening of this disease. The bond between the spouses and the communication of their daughter, who also lives outside the city and also engaged in music, during her mother’s illness are examined.
With unforgettable scenes about love and the person who created it, Amour took its place in the history of cinema as a masterpiece. I watched the movie just for its reputation, but after it finished I wanted to learn more about it. Moreover, now I should share it with you.
Here are 12 details you need to know about Amour:
1. Haneke’s Family
The story of the movie was written based on the personal experiences of Michael Haneke. Her aunt had a devastating illness. The photos appearing in the film also belong to Haneke’s parents.
2. Pigeon Scene
The pigeon scene was shot with 12 repetitions. According to Jean-Louis Trintignant, the reason the scene was shot 12 times was because Haneke was constantly trying to command the pigeons.
3. The name of the movie
The title of the movie was originally planned to be “These Two” and then “The Music Stops”. Jean-Louis Trintignant asked why they didn’t name the movie about love as Amour. The suggestion made sense to Haneke, and the movie was renamed Amour.
4. Drowning Scene
The scene where Georges chokes Anne was difficult for both actors. Jean-Louis Trintignant had broken her hand and was undergoing physical therapy. Emmanuelle Riva was also really afraid of drowning.
A mechanism was installed on the bed that kept Riva’s head down and allowed her to breathe. Haneke tried it himself first to convince Riva that the setup was safe.
5. Green Screen
The movie was shot on a completely rebuilt set. The windows were then added digitally with the help of green screen.
6. Jean-Louis Trintignant
While Haneke wrote the script for the film, he wrote the role of George for Jean-Louis Trintignant. Trintignant accepted the role because of her admiration for Haneke.
7. Nudity
Riva was initially very uncomfortable with the scene where she was naked in the movie. She then thought that this scene was extremely important to the story and managed to get into the character and enacted this scene.
8. Constant Scenario
Not a word was changed in the script during filming. Amour was filmed word for word as it was written. The film is 127 minutes long and the script of the film does not exceed 60 pages.
9. Environmental pollution
Emmanuelle Riva slept on the set during the filming of the movie so as not to contribute to environmental pollution by commuting to the set every day. A security guard was also taken to the set for her.
10. Haneke’s request
The one thing Haneke absolutely wanted from her cast was that they should avoid sentimentality no matter what. I can say that this orientation enabled the story to be created without being agitated.
11. Errors
At the end of the movie, there is a sync error. While Georges is writing a letter, the sound of the pen scratching the paper does not match the image.
Another error is the continuity error. While Georges and Anne are eating, George cuts their food for him first with his Laguiole knife. In the next scene, we see a classic knife in his hand. Some viewers are in favor of thinking that this scene was shot on purpose.
Frankly, I didn’t notice either of them:)
12. Music
The film is also distinctive in the absence of a soundtrack. music only appears as part of the story. As Georges sits in the final stages of his illness and remembers Anne’s old self, a piano melody is what brings his fantasy to life.
Amour impressed me deeply. The main reason for this is that it is far from an exaggeration. Thanks to this feature, you are drawn to the reality of the story. The experiences of a couple whose love we see very clearly push you to think about your relationship.
Anne: It’s beautiful.
Georges: What?
Anne: Life. So long.
You realize that if there is anything more important than a happy life, it is a happy ending.
I appreciate you taking the time to read and support me. I would love to hear from you! Please leave your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed don’t forget to clap. I hope to see you again soon.
