Oh merde... French cinema just lost one of his mentors. Legendary filmmaker Claude Berri died from from a serious neurological condition last week-end. As a director, he was responsible for many French blockbusters, including Germinal, the famous Emile Zola adaptation starring Gerard Depardieu, Jean de Florette and its sequel Manon Des Sources, the movie that made Emmanuelle Beart an international star. When wearing the producer's hat, Berri was responsible for an impressive number of films such as the first two Asterix, Patrice Chéreau's La Reine Margot, Claude Miller's La petit voleuse and many more. This is a major loss as Claude Berri was always a supporter of both popular and author cinema. He will be missed.
I don't know much about him, but my husband will for sure. RIP, Claude Berri.
This is a HUGE loss. Very sad.
Having been a fan of both Zola adaptations as well as his other efforts, I am too am saddened by his passing.
"Jean de Florette" was practically my first introduction to French cinema. After that I gobbled up many French releases that made their way to rep cinemas in North America. Claude Berri was a name I always looked out for (well, except for the Asterix movies).
I should see Germinal sometime soon...
RIP. His work includes the two-part saga on life in Provence, Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources. President Nicolas Sarkozy callled him "legendary".
That's really very sad to know
He did good work, god bless his soul.