Edouard Molinaro ... Repose en Paix

Sad news; Edouard Molinaro, director and co-writer of La Cage Aux Folles died yesterday, December 7, in Paris. French president François Hollande said “This filmmaker, who had a rich and varied career, directed the greatest actors of French cinema while winning over the public, and winning the admiration of his peers, at the same time.” 

The 1978 film was an international success winning a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, and star Michel Serrault the Cesar for Best Actor. Molinaro was nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Molinaro shared that nomination with Francis Veber, Marcello Danon and Jean Poiret who wrote the hit play. 

Eduard Molinaro with Brigitte Bardot

Beyond the wildly popular hit - which spawned the Mike Nichol's directed Robin Williams/Nathan Lane film Birdcage, Edouard Molinaro's five-decade career includes La Chasse A L’Homme (Male Hunt) starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and sisters Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac, Une Ravissante Idiote (A Ravishing Idiot) starring Brigitte Bardot and Anthony Perkins, Mon Oncle Benjamin (My Uncle Benjamin) starring Jacques Brel, and L’Emmerdeur starring Brel and Lino Ventura. 

The director worked well into his eighties, continuing to direct film and television as recently as 2008. Take a look at his extensive career on his imdb.com page here.

Born in Bordeaux, Gironde France on May 31, 1928, Mr. Molinaro died in Paris yesterday, December 7, 2013. He is survived by his estranged wife, actress and artist Marie-Helene Breillat.

I'm posting the link to this news on Dreaming of France, the French-appreciation meme hosted by Paulita Kincer.  You may want to stop by for happier news and views.

Edouard Molinaro

5/31/1928 - 12/7/2013

Repose en Paix