Lighting and colours

Lighting and colour choices are very important to create the mood in the opening to Amelie. The lighting is the same for the whole movie practically, with a yellowy washed out tone to it. The main colours in this film are red and yellow, with some shades of green thrown in for good measure.

The yellow tone in the lighting is also introduced very early on, in the first shot of the blue bottle fly. This lighting fits with the setting , which the narrator informs you of (it is 6.28pm), so dusk would have this type of lighting. The tone in the lighting creates a nostalgic feel, even though the viewer is unsure what Amelie is nostalgic for at the time. The nostalgic feel helps set the time, as the narrators first line states that it is 1973 (soft faded tones hint to a vintage origin). It also creates good shadows and contrast with her facial features and dark hair, which appears aesthetically pleasing to the eye (rather than a harsh spotlight).

Yellow, as a colour, is introduced in the very first moment when the company titles come up in yellow on a black background. The yellow is a good contrast and makes them easily visible. Yellow is a reasonably inoffensive colour and is associated with positivity. This colour choice helps the childlike/happy mood of the opening be developed through more than one technique.

The colour green is also introduced in the narrated scene (vines on wall). These neutral/ muted tones stay like that for a bit until you get to a microscopic close up of the sperm/egg that will become the main character Amelie. This colour change indicates the importance in the scene.

Once the narration stops the main colours become a yellow/red  combination rather than  a yellow/green one. The background is yellowish, and the text is red for the first title, then it switches for a contrasting second title. Most of Amelie's toys are red or green (red cherries and paper dolls, green juice in musical glass and leaf instrument) which contrast with the washed out background. 

Amelie's shirt in this scene is a pale green shade, which reflects what she will wear in the future. The colours red/yellow/green are used as a main colour scheme for her wardrobe (see drawing below).