Danielle Darrieux, actress more than famous, has just died centenary on October 17. This great lady had collected prizes during the 50s, and received a César in 1985 for all of her work, a real treasure of cinephilia.
Unfortunately little known to the general public, but known by most passionate fans and film students (as well as Tarantino who evokes her by a character in a scene from Inglourious Basterds), this great actress was an extremely popular star for three decades, from the 1930s to the 1960s. For more than eighty years, Danielle Darrieux shot almost one film a year, with a few short breaks, until her last film in 2010, Pièce Montée. Noted for her talent and great beauty, she has shot for talented directors over time, both in France and abroad.
She has indeed turned from the age of 16 for Billy Wilder, legend of American cinema, but also Tourneur, as well as Mankiewicz in the American studios. But we must not forget that she was also very active on the soil of her native homeland. She shot with Max Ophüls, with whom she shot three cult films: La Ronde, Le Plaisir, and Madame de … , where its beauty was put at the service of a captivating dramatic acting. And how not to mention his collaboration with Jacques Demy for his unforgettable Demoiselles de Rochefort?For more than eighty years, Danielle Darrieux shot almost one film a year, with a few short breaks, until her last film in 2010, Pièce Montée.
If you want to discover the films of this exceptional actress, get the films that have just been mentioned above, or sit in front of Arte on Wednesday, October 25 at 8:55 pm, to see her in 8 Women by François Ozon.
