French cinema has lost one of its bright representatives, the late director Bertrand Blier, creator of many well-known and provocative films, including "Blow Up" and "The Buffet Fugitive". Blier, who helped create star actors, including Gérard Depardieu, Michel Blanc, and Miou-Miou, passed away at the age of 85 "quietly at home surrounded by his wife and children", as his son recounted.
With films filled with vivid dialogues and a strict, straightforward style, Blier left his mark on the history of French cinematography in the 70s and 80s of the 20th century. He was awarded the Oscar for Best Foreign Film for "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs" in 1979, and also received the César awards for Best Screenplay for "The Buffet Fugitive" the following year.
Blier, known for his distinctive voice, relished evoking perturbation in his films. For some, he was an unconventional and daring director, while others viewed his work as a symbol of provocation and a possessor of a cinematic style that had vanished in past eras.
Blier will always be associated first and foremost with the name Gérard Depardieu, with whom he began his career in 1974 in the film "Going Places", together with Patrick Dewaere and Miou-Miou. "Going Places" became a classic in French cinema, especially thanks to its rough, outrageous humor, which was shocking for its time.
With his rich directorial legacy, including about 30 films, Blier remains a popular director. His film "The Wedding of Tanned" attracted three million viewers in the 80s, where Depardieu, Miou-Miou, and Michel Blanc reunited.
