Early Research

To start with I took some photographs of objects associated with my grandfather's time in WWII to capture some 'sinister vintage' images to draw from. There was a surprising amount of colour amongst the smaller items, which could contrast well with the darker shades usually associated with military memorabilia.

Epaulettes from military uniform

Water purification tablets

Duffel bag drawstring and detail

I then went to the Imperial War Museum in Salford, to look at similar items displayed there. The colours of the medals contrasts wildly with the dark brown and black of a revolver. I felt uncomfortable just photographing it because of the harm guns do in civilian life today, but the purpose of this project is to illustrate the sinister side of history and present it in a new way. The pure bright colours of the medals could be seen to glorify war and the victory contained within it, when there is never an absolute victory when it comes to war; at least the gun is 'honest' in terms of its colour - black, symbolising its purpose of death. On the other hand, the medals' colour could symbolise a form of release, an end to the bloodshed and so there would be no need for black any more.

Embroidery by a recuperating soldier in Alder Hey Hospital, Regimental badge of Hampshire Fusiliers

Brigadier Michael Harbottle's medals, awarded between 1937 and 1968

Revolver given to RAF servicemen for protection against Nazi lynch mobs

I re-watched 'Amelie' to analyse it more closely; the main colours used are red, yellow and green, and information from imdb.com revealed that this was inspired by the work of a Brazilian artist, Juarez Machado; the colour similarities are obvious, and some of the texture has also been used.

 

Poster for 'Amelie'

 

The ways that Amelie and Nino communicate are indirect, through letters and notes, mimicking the only available options in war time. He keeps a scrap book of discarded printed out photographs which are treated as precious, like the mementos of a soldier, while Amelie hoards pebbles to skim. Interesting facts are also collected throughout the film, and likes and dislikes are important; again, in war time it would be a struggle to maintain your identity and such things would help to keep you grounded. Details are noticed and poured over, with fantastical explanations made for them. Each character is isolated as protection from the scary, unfamiliar outside world, though drawn together they fit. In a similar way, soldiers manage to form a team to work together in the face of the unknown and terrifying.