The French cinema has just lost one of its greatest figures this Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 3 AM: Alain Delon, the absolute icon of French cinema, has passed away at the age of 88, after 88 films! His death marks the end of an era, one where charisma, elegance, and mystery combined perfectly to create works as powerful as they are unforgettable. His career, spanning several decades, was marked by films significant to the history of French cinema. However, these films also sometimes found international resonance.
Alain Delon was more than an actor: he was a living myth. Moreover, his cold beauty and piercing gaze embodied a masculine ideal. This ideal transcends generations. From the film Plein soleil to the film The Leopard, Delon knew how to captivate the audience. Additionally, his intense performances and magnetic aura left a lasting impression. He also shone in Le Samouraï and La Piscine. He was the very embodiment of French elegance. Furthermore, his influence extended beyond the borders of France. It reached as far as Japan, where he enjoyed exceptional popularity.
Alain Delon’s journey reflects a personal life often under the spotlight. His relationship with Romy Schneider, which began in the late 1950s, captivated the public as much as his films. Together, they formed a mythical couple, nicknamed at the time "the most beautiful engaged couple in Europe." Their breakup, although painful, did not tarnish the affection the public had for them. Their reunion on screen in La Piscine marked Delon’s career. Indeed, he had imposed Schneider, whose career was stagnating. The tensions of their past romantic relationship mingled with fiction. This created a work of rare intensity.
In France, the news of his death caused a wave of emotion. Many cinema and culture personalities paid tribute to him. They saluted not only the actor but also the man behind the characters. France Télévisions immediately modified its program schedule to pay tribute to the actor. It broadcast two of his most significant films: Le Samouraï and La Piscine. These films, emblematic of Delon’s filmography, remind us of his unparalleled talent. He embodies characters that are both cold and passionate. These are men torn between honor and fate.
The tributes were not limited to television screens. Claudia Cardinale, who shared the screen with Delon in the cult film The Leopard, expressed deep sadness. "The ball is over. Tancrède has gone to dance with the stars," she said, referring to the character Alain Delon played in this masterpiece by Luchino Visconti. For her, as for many others, Delon’s death marks the end of an era, one where grace and majesty were at the center of the stage.
In Italy, where a significant part of his career emerged, the press paid him a vibrant tribute. Delon was considered a monument of cinema there, on par with Marcello Mastroianni or Sophia Loren. His collaborations with Visconti and Clément helped reinforce this image of an actor capable of taking on the most complex roles and transforming them into unforgettable performances.
Beyond his cinematic career, Alain Delon also left an indelible mark as a man. His complex personality, both seductive and controversial, often sparked passionate debates. Delon never hid his political opinions, nor his ties with certain controversial figures. This duality helped shape his public image. It was that of a man who remained true to himself until the end. He never feared to shock with resounding controversies.
Accused of sympathies for the far-right due to his support for Jean-Marie Le Pen, he frequently sparked outrage. Additionally, his statements deemed sexist and homophobic also provoked negative reactions. The Marković affair, where his name was linked to a mysterious murder, also tarnished his image, as did accusations of violence made by former companions and his son, Alain-Fabien Delon. The honorary César received in 2019 confirmed the divide. Despite calls for a boycott, admiration for the actor persists. However, disapproval of the man remains.
We will also remember his significant relationships with several well-known public figures. His connection with Brigitte Bardot is notable. This other world-renowned icon shared a mutual admiration with him. Together, they fought common battles, notably for the animal cause. He was also very close to the comedian Jean-Claude Brialy, who passed away in 2007.
With Mireille Darc, he had an intense and emblematic romantic relationship in the 60s-70s, which left an indelible mark on certain media despite their separation. In her memoirs, Mireille Darc would designate the actress Anne Parillaud as responsible for their breakup.
His friendship with Jean-Paul Belmondo, nicknamed "Bébel," was tinged with a fairplay rivalry, with both actors dominating French cinema of their era, each in their own way.
His closeness with Rachida Dati, former Minister of Justice, fueled rumors, although their friendship seems primarily based on mutual respect, with the actor recently breaking his silence to praise Dati’s appointment to the Ministry of Culture. His camaraderie with the late Philippe Nicolic – lead singer of the French boy band 2Be3 who tragically died in 2009 at the age of 35 – surprised many, as did his kindness towards a certain Sonia Rolland desperately seeking her place in French cinema…
The death of Alain Delon is seen by many as the end of an era. This era concerns Franco-Italian cinema of the 60s and 70s. France and Italy were then producing significant works. These creations continue to influence modern cinema. With Delon’s passing, a chapter of this history is definitively closed. As Samuel Blumenfeld, a cinema specialist, pointed out, "Alain Delon was not just an actor, he was a legend, an embodiment of cinema in its noblest and greatest form."
The world of cinema mourns this immense loss. However, it is certain that Alain Delon will continue to live through his films. His characters, imbued with enigmatic coldness and raw charisma, will remain etched in collective memory. Indeed, they testify to a time when cinema was an art of passion and depth. Delon, through his talent and personality, elevated cinema to unparalleled heights. A more than deserved tribute.
