In the cinematic landscape, similarities can sometimes cause unexpected ripples, as was the case with Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal in Unbreakable. Released in 2000 and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, this film has become a cult classic. It stars Bruce Willis, Robin Wright, and Jackson, weaving a narrative about David Dunn (Willis), who, following a train crash, discovers his extraordinary abilities. His journey captures the interest of Elijah Price (Jackson), a comic book enthusiast with a unique medical condition. The film’s success laid the groundwork for Shyamalan to expand this narrative universe with sequels, Split and Glass.
Unbreakable received considerable acclaim, illustrating a unique approach to superhero storytelling before the Marvel Cinematic Universe revolutionized the genre. Critics lauded it as one of Shyamalan’s finest works. However, a fascinating subplot emerged regarding the character of Elijah Price and how it intersected with another notable film, Amélie, which premiered just a year later, further complicating the narrative landscape.
Similarities Between Amélie & Unbreakable
Concerns Over Concept Copying in the Film Industry
According to commentary included with Amélie, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the film’s writer and director, had initially created a character with fragile bones prior to viewing Unbreakable. Jeunet expressed disappointment upon seeing the film, noting the striking resemblance between Elijah Price’s condition and that of Raymond Dufayel (played by Serge Merlin) in Amélie. Their proximity in release dates fostered concerns that Jeunet’s work might be perceived as derivative.
|
Movie |
Box Office |
|---|---|
|
Unbreakable (2000) |
$248.1 million |
|
Amélie (2001) |
$174.4 million |
Yet, Jeunet also recognized the brilliance of Shyamalan’s storytelling, particularly admiring The Sixth Sense. He emphasized that despite the similar physical attributes of the characters, Elijah and Raymond are fundamentally different, serving distinct narrative purposes within their respective films. The contrasting genres of the two films further highlight that audiences ultimately distinguished between them, allowing Amélie to shine as one of the definitive French films, achieving international acclaim alongside Unbreakable.
Different Narrative Uses of Glass-Like Characters
Elijah and Raymond: Contrasting Goals
The exploration of their fragile conditions reveals further contrasts between Amélie and Unbreakable. Jackson’s Elijah Price, despite his delicate health, embodies manipulative ambition, employing his intellect to compensate for his physical limitations as he pursues a quest to destroy perceived ‘unbreakable’ beings. This obsession ultimately leads him to a psychiatric institution, embodying the tragedy of a villain obsessed with power.
Conversely, Dufayel’s character serves as a contemplative figure. He experiences solitude, using it to reflect on life and create art. Unlike Elijah, whose actions are rooted in manipulation and malice, Raymond subtly encourages Amélie to embrace human connection and venture beyond her comfort zone. This poignant contrast in character motivations underscores the thematic disparities between the two films, illustrating how Amélie managed to resonate deeply with audiences, contributing to its box office success internationally. It is understandable why Jeunet expressed concern, yet both films have carved out their distinct legacies in film history.