Jacques Rozier: The Last Luminary of the French New Wave Passes Away at 96

Jacques Rozier, arguably the last surviving member of the French New Wave, has passed away at the age of 96. A pioneer of the Nouvelle Vague, Rozier’s death marks the end of an era in French cinema. While not as widely recognised as contemporaries such as Jean-Luc Godard or François Truffaut, his work held a significant place in the movement, pushing boundaries that continue to inspire contemporary filmmakers.

Born in Paris in 1926, Rozier entered the world of cinema under the influence of Jean Renoir and Jean Vigo. His career began as a TV assistant while simultaneously producing his own short films, including “Rentrée des Classes” (1956) and “Blue Jeans” (1958). His first feature film, “Adieu Philippine” (1962), premiered at the first edition of the International Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, set in the summer of 1960, revolved around a young TV assistant about to be sent for compulsory military service in Algeria. Determined to make the most of his last days of freedom, he quits his job and heads to Corsica with two inseparable young friends he recently met in Paris.

Rozier’s work was characterised by a youthful spirit, a trait that continued in his second film, “Du Côté d’Orouët” (1971), which followed the holiday of three young women in Brittany. Rozier directed only five feature films throughout his career but kept busy with short films, music videos, and TV series. One of his notable short films is “Paparazzi” (1964), which explored the relationship of French actress and activist Brigitte Bardot with photographers trying to capture her every move during her stay on the Italian island of Capri.

Rozier’s death was confirmed by a close acquaintance after a brief hospital stay in his hometown, Paris. His passing signals the end of the Nouvelle Vague, as predicted by his lifelong friend and supporter, Godard, who passed away in September of the previous year. As Godard wrote in 2019, “When Agnès Varda passed away, I thought: the real Nouvelle Vague, only two of us remain, me… and Jacques Rozier, who started a little before me.”

Rozier’s legacy lives on in his films, which inspire and influence filmmakers worldwide. His dedication to the art of cinema and his unique approach to storytelling will be remembered as a significant contribution to the French New Wave. His passing is a loss to cinema, but his work will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers.