Bertrand Blier, iconic director of “Valseuses”, has died

He was one of the most recognized French directors. Bertrand Blier, who we know for The Valseuses, (1974), but also Evening wear (1986) or even Prepare your tissues (1978), died this Tuesday, January 21, 2025, his entourage announced to AFP. He was 85 years old.

He had revealed Gérard Depardieu… And directed so many stars

It was in particular he who allowed Gérard Depardieu to be revealed to the general public, with the iconic the Waltzes. In total, the two men shared eight films.

But Bertrand Blier did not stop at Depardieu. During his career, he had also directed several members of the Splendid band: Gérard Jugnot (in Calm1976), Thierry Lhermitte (My friend’s wife1983), Michel Blanc (Evening wear1986, Thank you life1991), Josiane Balasko (Too beautiful for you1989, The Actors2000) and finally Christian Clavier (for Exceptional convoy2019, with Depardieu).

We can also cite Jean Dujardin, and Albert Dupontel, directed by Bertrand Blier on the set of the film The sound of ice cubes.

He is also well known for a scene in the film Calm especially. We see Jean-Pierre Marielle and Jean Rochefort (still huge icons) getting angry, almost gratuitously, at a lady who was asking for directions.

He was often compared to the illustrious Jacques Audiard, whom he considered “his favorite living director”.

He denounced “the lynching” suffered by Gérard Depardieu

Very close to Gérard Depardieu, he had recently participated in the writing of a column in which artists denounced “the lynching” suffered by the actor, accused of multiple violence and sexual assault among others.

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