Jac Demi French film director Date of Birth: 05.06.1931 Country: France

Biography of Jacques Demy

Jacques Demy, a French film director and screenwriter, was known for his devotion to the joy of visual and sound aesthetics and the romantic iconography of cinema. He started his career by working with animator Paul Grimault and director Georges Rouquier after studying art and cinema. Demy then went on to make several of his own short films before directing his first feature film, "Lola" (1961), starring Anouk Aimée as a cabaret singer who must choose between multiple lovers. The stylish camerawork and romantic atmosphere in Demy's work, influenced by Max Ophüls, kept him afloat in the industry.

His dazzling film, "Bay of Angels" (1962), featuring Jeanne Moreau as an impulsive and gambling addict, gained critical acclaim. However, it was "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," a love story between a garage mechanic and a shop assistant, that melted the hearts of audiences. All dialogue in the film was sung, and the luxurious cinematography and set designs reflected Demy's affinity for Hollywood musicals. This film earned him the Grand Prix at Cannes and nominations for screenplay and the beautiful music by Michel Legrand.

Demy attempted to recreate the magic of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" in "The Young Girls of Rochefort" (1968), but despite the presence of Gene Kelly in the ensemble cast, the intentionally stylized film did not achieve the same success. Anouk Aimée returned as Lola in "Model Shop," Demy's first film shot in America, and "Donkey Skin" (1971), a charming adaptation of Charles Perrault's fairy tale. However, after the unexpectedly somber version of "The Pied Piper," Demy's later works became less captivating. Among them are "The Slightly Pregnant Man" (1973) and "Lady Oscar" (1979).

His subsequent films, "A Room in Town" (1982), "Parking" (1985), and "Three Seats for the 26th" (1988), were all musicals but failed to capture the spirit of his earlier works. Demy was married to director Agnès Varda from 1962 until his death. She lovingly captured his life in the film "Jacquot" (Jacquot de Nantes), released in 1993. The film was made while Jacques Demy was still alive.

Awards and Honors:
- Academy Awards Nominee for Best Original Screenplay for "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1966)
- Cannes Film Festival Winner of the Palme d'Or for "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964)