Sad news for film fans... Bertrand Blier, a major figure in French cinema, passed away this Monday, January 20, 2025 at the age of 85, peacefully at his Paris home, surrounded by his family. Son of actor Bernard Blier, he made his mark on the cinematic landscape with controversial but essential works. His film Les Valseuses (1974) marked the start of a career studded with success and awards, notably revealing Gérard Depardieu to the general public.
Director of some twenty films, Bertrand Blier has distinguished himself by his unique style, blending dark humor and existential reflection. His most notable works include Préparez vos mouchoirs, which won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1979, and Buffet froid, for which he won a César for Best Screenplay. With Trop belle pour toi, he won three Césars, confirming his place as one of the most awarded directors of his generation. However, his films, such as Calmos and Tenue de soirée, have often provoked controversy for their depiction of women and their subversive tone.
Despite a dip in popularity in the 1990s, Bertrand Blier has enjoyed some success, most notably with 2009's Le Bruit des glaçons, starring Jean Dujardin and Albert Dupontel. His works, often marked by a provocative, absurdist approach, remain an essential part of the history of French cinema. Bertrand Blier leaves behind a rich and controversial filmography, bearing witness to an unrivalled artistic freedom.
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