French director Bertrand Blier died Monday at the age of 85. A multi-awarded non-conformist filmmaker and fan of dark humor, he left his mark on the French cinema during his career launched in the early 1960s. A look back at 5 of his most notable achievements.
“The waltzers” – 1974
Seven years after the release of his first feature film “If I Was a Spy”, Bertrand Blier adapts one of his novels and achieves notoriety with “Les Valseuses”. Performed by Gérard Depardieu, Miou Miou and Patrick Dewaere, the film caused a lot of noise when it was released in 1974, since it was prohibited for those under 18. Embodying the spirit of May 68 and sexual liberation, the cult film shocks good society with the story of two thugs with liberated morals. A ban which did not tarnish the popularity of the film, which became one of the most viewed feature films of 1974.
“Prepare Your Tissues” – 1979
Five years after “Les valseuses”, Bertrand Blier reunites with the acting duo Gérard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere for “Preparez vos mouchoirs”, the story of Raoul who, to bring his wife out of depression, played by Carole Laure, him presents another man, also incapable of making the young woman smile again, until she meets a gifted 13-year-old boy. This dramatic comedy earned Bertrand Blier the Oscar for best foreign film.
“Evening Wear” – 1986
In 1986, Bertrand Blier caused a sensation again with “Evening Outfit”, a feature film which, again, caused a scandal when it was released by tackling the theme of homosexuality, and sexuality without taboo through the relationship of three character: Bob, determined to seduce Antoine, in love with Monique. For the occasion, the director reunites with two of his favorite actors – Miou Miou and Gérard Depardieu – and offers Michel Blanc a role that goes against the comedies that made him successful. Thanks to this dramatic comedy in which he plays a straight man discovering his homosexuality, the actor won the acting prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
-
“Too beautiful for you” – 1989
With “Trop Belle pour toi”, a dramatic comedy played by Josiane Balasko, Gérard Depardieu and Carole Bouquet, Bertrand Blier won a host of awards in 1990. The filmmaker won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes and three Césars (best director, best film of the year and best screenplay) for this feature film featuring a business manager, married to a sublime woman but falling in love with his secretary with a more ordinary physique. A feature film which will also earn Carole Bouquet the César for best actress.
“The sound of ice cubes” – 2010
More recently, Bertrand Blier distinguished himself again with “The Sound of Ice Cubes”. A comedy with biting humor which brought together Jean Dujardin and Albert Dupontel on an original screenplay. The story of an alcoholic and depressed writer who receives a visit from his cancer, played on screen by Albert Dupontel.
