Below are some of the best French directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.
A Brief History of Cinema du Look
The “Cinéma du Look” was a French film movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterised by its emphasis on visual style and youthful subject matter. This movement was not defined by a strict set of aesthetic rules but rather by a shared sensibility among its filmmakers, who prioritised image and spectacle in their storytelling. The films often featured vibrant colours, high energy, and a focus on young, alienated characters living on the fringes of society. They frequently explored themes of love, alienation, and identity, often set against the backdrop of contemporary French society.
Among the most notable directors associated with the Cinéma du Look are Jean-Jacques Beineix, Luc Besson, and Leos Carax. Jean-Jacques Beineix’s 1981 film “Diva” is often cited as the starting point of the movement. This film exemplified many of its characteristics, such as its glossy aesthetics, focus on youth culture, and blending of genres. Beineix’s work was known for its visual flair and for pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative structure.
Luc Besson, another key figure in the movement, brought a unique blend of genre filmmaking to French cinema. His films, such as “Subway” and “The Big Blue”, were noted for their high-energy storytelling, striking visuals, and the use of music to enhance the emotional impact. Besson’s work often explored themes of adventure and romance, and he became known for his ability to blend action and artistry.
Leos Carax, often considered the most enigmatic of the Cinéma du Look directors, made films that were deeply personal and stylistically bold. His movie “Mauvais Sang” and the later “Les Amants du Pont-Neuf” are emblematic of his style, which often involved surreal imagery and a focus on the intense, sometimes destructive nature of love. Carax’s work is marked by a poetic and often dreamlike quality, setting him apart within the movement.
The Cinéma du Look was both celebrated and criticised. While some praised these directors for their innovative visual style and the way they breathed new life into French cinema, others criticised them for favouring style over substance.
Bronze Screen Dream 