Jean-Paul Belmondo

“Godard made me fall in love with cinema”

Twice refused entrance by the Conservatoire; it seemed like it just wasn’t meant to be. But the great Jean-Paul Belmondo’s hard head and soft soul were already well formed. With a passion for the stage Belmondo listened to himself alone, and persisted. So much the better..

Brought to the world’s attention by Breathless (A bout de souffle), he would become after only a few films, a directors' favorite, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences and the history of French cinema. Around the world he remains the poster boy of the New Wave (la Nouvelle Vague), of the 1960s, of that French attitude, and the elusive archetype of a red-blooded male both funny AND sexy.

No need to go over such a prolific and familiar filmography, of 50 years spent working with most acclaimed filmmakers most respected actors, all the while seeking a balance between action films, comedies, and films d’auteur.

In order to underline such an impressive trajectory, the Festival has chosen films made by the directors most representative of Jean-Paul Belmondo’s oeuvre, given the actor's constancy in collaboration. In 1962, he stars in Jean-Pierre Melville’s Doulos: The Finger Man (Le Doulos), having seized the opportunity granted by Melville one year previous to break away from his habitual roles in the touching Leon Morin, Priest (Leon Morin, prêtre). Then, with no time to breathe, Belmondo signs on for Henri Verneuil’s A Monkey in Winter, which restored by Roissy Films and distributed by Tamasa will as a world premiere on the opening night of the festival.

Up to His ears, which would reunite Belmondo, already at the height of his popularity, with Philippe de Broca, will also be screened in a restored print (TF1 DA). In the Lumière selection, there are also New Wave standards, such as Godard’s unmissable Pierrot le fou andLelouch’s Itinerary of a Spoiled Child, a particularly personal film at that point in the actor's career.

Hail an actor of rampant success, passionately in love with life, women, and the cinema. It gives us great pleasure that he can be present as we pay tribute to his career this year in Lyon.

Video: Jean Pierre Melville, Doulos:The Finger Man

Doulos: The Finger Man  directed byJean-Pierre Melville (Le Doulos 1962, 1:48)
 Maurice prepares a robbery with his friend Silien, without knowing that the latter is a "doulos," a police informer. A strong Serge Reggiani and unforgettable Jean-Paul Belmondo in his role as a character with disconcerting reactions. The first Melvillian thriller.

With the presence of Jean-Paul Belmondo: Institut Lumière Tue. 2:30pm
Other screening: Comœdia Sun. 10:45am

Up to His Ears  directed by Philippe de Broca (Les Tribulations d’un Chinois en Chine, 1965, 1:49)
 A billionaire is bored. Wanting to commit suicide, he buys life insurance, then asks a friend to kill him. But then he falls in love and no longer wants to die. A comic alliance between the unflappable Jean Rochefort and the acrobatics of Belmondo.
UGC Astoria Tue. 8:30pm | Ciné Caluire Wed. 8:30pm | Vénissieux Thu. 2:30pm

Pierrot le fou  directed by Jean-Luc Godard (1965, 1:55)
 Life on the run for a couple on the verge of crisis, a hymn to l’amour fou. A breathtakingly beautiful a film. Jean-Paul Belmondo is sensual and heartrending, Anna Karina, all instinct.
Cinéma Opéra Wed. 5:30pm. | CNP Thu. 3pm | UGC Cité Internationale Fri. 8:30pm

Itinerary of a Spoiled Child  directed by Claude Lelouch (Itinéraire d’un enfant gâté, 1988, 2:01)
A man feigns death in an attempt to change his life. But there where he has taken refuge, a meeting will force a change of plan. One of the finest roles for Belmondo, picturesque and sensitive alongside Richard Anconina.

With the presence of Claude Lelouch and Richard Anconina: Pathé Bellecour Tue. 4:45pm
Other screening: Pathé Cordeliers Sun. 2:30pm

A Monkey in Winter  directed by Henri Verneuil (Un singe en hiver, 1962, 1:43)
 Two men who can hold their liquor, Belmondo and Gabin, pass two gloriously drunken days of escape and friendship. With wines and dialogue by Audiard to die for.
Halle Tony Garnier Mon. 7:45pm, Opening Night of the festival with the presence of Jean-Paul Belmondo
Other screenings: UGC Confluence Tue. 8:30pm | Bron Fri. 8:30pm

Greed in the Sun  directed by Henri Verneuil (Cent mille dollars au soleil, 1963, 2:04) 
The clash of two smuggling truckers. Audiard’s razor sharp dialogue for Belmondo, Ventura, and Blier see humor and class played out in the middle of the Moroccan desert.
Vénissieux Wed. 8:30pm | Pathé Bellecour Sat. 4:45pm | UGC Cité Internationale Sun. 3:30pm

All the films will be presented by special guests. The complete list is drawn up from day to day and will be posted on this site