He is what we call an essential actor in French cinema. Spotted at the age of nine by a film agency, Benoît Magimel took his first steps in the world of the seventh art when he was chosen to play Momo Groseille in Life is a long quiet river. Broadcast on TMC this Thursday, January 2, this film by Étienne Chatiliez tells the story of the unexpected meeting of two families who are completely opposed. But if the Groseilles, a modest family who live in public housing, and the Le Quesnoys could never have met, their lives are turned upside down when they learn that two of their children have been exchanged at the maternity ward. First notable role for Benoît Magimel, the multi-awarded actor then quickly moved on to major roles in the cinema. The proof in five essential films from his filmography.
The Pianist (2001)
Adapted from the book of the same name by Elfriede Jelinek, this film by Michael Haneke tells the moving story of Erika, a demanding piano teacher who refuses all sensitivity and sentimentality. Until the day she meets Walter Klemmer, a virtuoso pianist who joins her class at the conservatory to seduce her. Benoît Magimel excels in this disturbing role, to the point of having won the prize for male interpretation at the Cannes Film Festival in 2001, while Isabelle Huppert won the prize for female interpretation in the same edition.
For a Woman (2013)
Used to telling the story of her parents, Diane Kurys was inspired by their story in this moving film directed by Mélanie Thierry, Benoît Magimel and Nicolas Duvauchelle. Together, they embody a love triangle that pushes Anne to question her origins when she discovers a photograph following the death of her mother revealing the existence of a mysterious uncle. Exhibiting a love as dazzling as it was ephemeral experienced by her during the Second World War. Available on myCANAL and Prime Video.
La French (2014)
Playing tough is also within Benoît Magimel’s ropes. And La French by Cédric Jimenez is proof of this, as he plays the faithful lieutenant of the godfather of organized crime in Marseille, Gaëtan Zampa. With Jean Dujardin and Gilles Lellouche, the actor brings to life this hard-hitting police thriller in which a young magistrate dares to clash with the French Connection, a mafia organization that he hopes to reach and extinguish. Available on Netflix.
Heads Up (2016)
In this film by Emmanuelle Bercot, Benoît Magimel plays a specialized educator who wants to put Malony, a difficult young boy played by Rod Paradot, back on the right path. A task which will prove difficult for this boy who has been in care since he was six years old, but for which he and a children's judge will not give up. A role which earned the actor the César for best supporting role, who six years later won that for best actor for another film by the director, During his lifetime. Available on Max, myCANAL and Prime Video.
During his lifetime (2021)
Five years later Head held highBenoît Magimel reunites with Emmanuelle Bercot in this powerful film where he plays a man condemned by illness. Accompanied by his mother, he will use the time he has left to forgive, ask for forgiveness, say thank you, but also goodbye and “I love you” to his loved ones. A powerful role which allowed him to win the César for best actor for this role.
