Belmondo, le magnifique (2017)

Belmondo, le magnifique Poster

With more than 70 films and 160 million cumulative tickets in France, Jean-Paul Belmondo is one of the essential stars of French cinema.

Introduction
"Belmondo, Le Magnifique", is a 2017 documentary committed to the life and profession of the renowned French star, Jean-Paul Belmondo. Directed by Vincent Perrot and Jeff Domenech, it provides a remarkable insight into Belmondo's contribution to the French movie theater while showing his personality beyond his professional life, making it a remarkable watch for film lovers and Belmondo's fans alike.

Plot & Analysis
The documentary unfolds through a series of interviews and video archives, painting a portrait of Jean-Paul Belmondo: the male, the actor, and the legend. The film kicks off with many tributes paid to the star's magnetism and talent, honing in on his unique charisma that made him a French cinema icon.

"Belmondo, Le Magnifique", takes a trip back in time, tracing Belmondo's increase to fame. It analyzes the different functions he played and how effectively he went beyond in between various genres, from funny to drama, from duration movies to action thrillers, showing tremendous versatility as a star. There's an area dedicated to his partnerships with leading directors, highlighting his collaboration with Jean-Luc Godard, which pushed the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and signified the start of the French New Wave.

Belmondo Off-Screen
Concurrently, the documentary does not pigeonhole Belmondo as simply a star. It tosses concentrate on his passion for sports, especially boxing, which was crucial in forming his tough masculine persona on screen. In reality, there's a touching episode where Belmondo speak about how boxing was a possible profession path for him early on.

The film likewise provides an intimate look into Belmondo's individual life through interviews with member of the family, including his sibling, kids, and previous partners. These interviews, in addition to vintage family images and video footage from Belmondo's own filmography, reveal his life beyond the cinema-- from fathership to his romantic relationships that made headlines.

Critical Reception
"Belmondo, Le Magnifique", was popular by the audience and critics alike. Critics applauded the considerate yet truthful technique by Perrot and Domenech to Belmondo's career and personal life. Nevertheless, some felt that the film might have dug deeper into the intricate personality that Belmondo was, instead of being merely a celebration and tribute.

Conclusion
Overall, "Belmondo, Le Magnifique", magnificently records the essence of one of French cinema's most magnetic personalities. The movie functions as a rich archive, cataloging his personal life often more compellingly than his on-screen accomplishments. Despite being mainly a character study of the actor, the movie is also a sentimental journey down memory lane that reminds us of the golden age of French cinema. In other words, it's a warm, reverential homage to the man who influenced many viewers and future stars, both in France and around the globe.

Top Cast

  • Jean-Paul Belmondo (small)
    Jean-Paul Belmondo
    Self (archive footage)
  • Guy Bedos (small)
    Guy Bedos
    Self (archive footage)
  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Self (archive footage)
  • Jacques Deray (small)
    Jacques Deray
    Self (archive footage)
  • Michel Drucker (small)
    Michel Drucker
    Self (archive footage)
  • Raymond Girard
    Self (archive footage)
  • Jean-Luc Godard (small)
    Jean-Luc Godard
    Self (archive footage)
  • Charles Gérard (small)
    Charles Gérard
    Self (archive footage)
  • Jean-Pierre Melville (small)
    Jean-Pierre Melville
    Self (archive footage)
  • Bernard Pivot (small)
    Bernard Pivot
    Self (archive footage)
  • Jean Rochefort (small)
    Jean Rochefort
    Self (archive footage)