Artwork from Room C205

Artists in Room C205 have been creating Illuminated Manuscript inspired works. We learned about them first and then updated the processes for the 21st Century. Here are a few of them:

Life Lessons by Jason McPeak

This year has been one of learning, loving, and, well, just plain old high school drama, but learning does not always have to come from a book. I thought the best gift I could give any of you would lessons about life that I’ve learned.  

1. I’ve learned that we are all only given one life with which to make a difference. Use yours wisely, and help as many people as you can.
2. I’ve learned that all actions have consequences.
3. Learn the value of money now. College is expensive; life is not any cheaper. When someone sends you a bill with a deadline, they really mean it!
4. I’ve learned that now is the time to be mature, and to learn that respect is earned not demanded. If you want to be treated like an adult, act like one.
5. I’ve learned that parents, for the most part, want what is best for you. It may not seem like it in that situation, but they do. Trust is earned, not something that is given to you when you reach a certain age.
6. I’ve learned that karma really does exist. If you don’t believe in karma, at least believe in the concept of it, that if you are good to people, people will be good to you. In other words, you get what you give.
7. I’ve learned that if you work really hard and do your very best, you will succeed. It may not be what you originally set out to do, but you will be successful.
8. I’ve learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
9. I’ve learned that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
10. I’ve learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
11. I’ve learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
12. I’ve learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
13. If you put people on a pedestal, they will fall and you will be disappointed…EVERY TIME!
14. I’ve learned that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. 
15. Stand up for what you believe in. It may not always be the popular choice, but at least you can stand to look at yourself in the mirror and recognize who you are.
16. I’ve learned that we every person has good in them. You may have to look hard, but it’s there.

           Wishing you the best, 
           Mr. McPeak

Guest Movie Review: Amélie

Amélie
Release Date: November 2, 2001
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy

When it comes to Amélie, there’s something about its quirkiness that grabs the viewer right from the start. Whether it be the starlet of the movie, Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou) or the unique voice of storytelling, there is something about Amélie that sets it apart from modern day films. The actors are brilliantly cast and show such remarkable and irresistible detail to character development that you fall in love with each and every one of them. It’s a movie that leaves you with the emotional attachment that you’ve met some news friends and they are all uniquely brilliant.

One of the characteristics of the movies that stands out for me has got to be the musical composition. Yann Tiersen’s composition is practically the arms and legs of the movie, maintaining the quirky and odd behavior that the movie establishes. From the classical music to the 1950’s musical elements, Tiersen used the music to give the movie another layer of detail. Without the music in this movie,  Amélie would not have been as good as it is. The music adds so much to the movie and removing it would take away from the magical affect that this movie is made of up.

The movie also cradles a number of abnormal characters that really stand out among each other. Joseph (Dominique Pinon) is obsessed with popping bubble wrap and spying on his ex-girlfriend Gina (Clotilde Mollet). All of the characters house some abnormal fascination, which makes them more than just supporting roles. The narrator, for example, shows each and every distinct quality that the characters  are made up of;  they are all memorable in their own ways due to their fascination to things like cracking  knuckles, watching bullfighters get gored, or even disliking the words “Fruit of Thy Womb.” Madame Suzanne (Claire Maurier), for instance, had her dog Black Lion stuffed after he died of  heartbreak.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet – the director of Amélie – used effects that are not up to par with Hollywood’s special effects, but they added a creative dimension that movies seem to lack when it comes to overusing effects. They were used in such a way that adds to the overall story, showing just how important something may be or simply to intensify a particular scene.  Jeunet’s use of color, for example, fits the mood of the film by adding that dreamlike, surreal, or even warm touch of love that this movies has about it.

The plot of the movie was executed in a manner that really forms an emotional grip on the viewer. The overall theme of helping people and the number of ways Amélie does it really shows how the world can be a better place when you make the world better for someone else. The viewers leave with the impression of what helping people can be like, and how making someone happy can ultimately impact our lives for the better.

With all feelings aside, I give this movie a nine. The movie has so many fascinating and rewarding elements that it’s an experience to watch over and over. From the music to the interesting characters that this movie presents us with, there is something great to be said about Amélie. Audrey Tautou’s portrayal of Amélie was excellent and is the perfect representation of this innocent girl’s dream of making people happy. We get the chance to see how happy she makes people, and how she is ultimately paid back in the end. If you’re into emotional and heartwarming movies then I definitely recommend this movie; you cannot go wrong with Amélie.

Written by Taylor Daugherty, Senior