European Art and Smart Cinema – Case Studies of Run Lola Run, Amélie and Breaking the Waves

Abstract

Like the British and Irish chapters to follow, this chapter will attempt to capture the breadth of what can be considered European smart cinema and its unique attributes, through an examination of three recent films, sampling different regions while focusing particularly on their DVD bonus features. The films are German feature Run Lola Run (1998), which was influenced by a videogame, French fantasy film Amélie (2001) and Danish, Dogme-inspired religious parable Breaking theWaves (1996). All three films are ostensibly linked together by three highly individualized female protagonists, and are directed by well-established male auteurs at the height of their creative powers.