French Cinema Icon Claude Lelouch Defies Retirement Rumors at 86
Acclaimed director Claude Lelouch, 86, dismisses speculation about retirement at Venice Film Festival. His new film "Finally" premieres as he receives a special award, affirming his commitment to continue filmmaking.
Claude Lelouch, the esteemed French filmmaker, has firmly refuted claims that his latest work, "Finally," marks the conclusion of his illustrious career. The 86-year-old director, whose cinematic journey spans nearly seven decades, addressed these rumors at a press conference preceding the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Lelouch, renowned for his Oscar-winning 1967 film "A Man and a Woman," which secured accolades for Best Original Screenplay and Best Foreign Language Film, expressed his unwavering passion for filmmaking. Despite the suggestive title of his new movie, the director assured reporters of his intention to continue creating.
"I know I'm making my last films, of course, so I'm going to call this one 'Finally,' but I'm going to make another one called 'Finally, It Never Ends,'"
The veteran filmmaker's enthusiasm for his craft remains undiminished, as he revealed plans for future projects. "As long as ideas keep coming to my mind, I'm going to keep doing this job, and right now, I've never had so many ideas, so I can't wait for next year to start filming," Lelouch added.
"Finally," set to premiere on September 4, 2024, is a comedy-drama following a lawyer, portrayed by Kad Merad, on a transformative road trip across France. The ensemble cast includes Elsa Zylberstain, Sandrine Bonnaire, and singer Barbara Pravi.
Lelouch's prolific career includes directing over 50 films, starting as a television cameraman in the 1950s before founding his production company, Les Films 13, in 1960. His innovative use of handheld cameras and natural lighting has become a hallmark of his style, often exploring themes of love, chance, and destiny.
The Venice Film Festival will not only showcase "Finally" out of competition but also honor Lelouch with a special Filmmaker Award. This recognition adds to his impressive collection of accolades, including a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes for "A Man and a Woman" in 1966.
Reflecting on his enduring career and approach to filmmaking in his later years, Lelouch shared a poignant perspective: "Life is like a race. ... In the final moments of this race, you need to speed up, not slow down." This philosophy encapsulates the director's relentless drive and creativity, which has led him to work with renowned actors like Jean-Paul Belmondo and even cast Jeremy Irons in a rare French-language role in his 2002 film "And Now... Ladies and Gentlemen."
As Claude Lelouch continues to defy expectations and push creative boundaries, his legacy in French cinema remains as vibrant and influential as ever, promising more captivating stories for audiences worldwide.
