JACQUOT, BENOÎT

(1947- )

Director and screenwriter. In his early teens, Benoît Jacquot visited theCinémathèque française, where he metJacques Rivette, and in fact, he attributes his interest in cinema to theNouvelle Vagueor New Wave. Jacquot studied at university, but dropped out to work as an assistant director, most notably forMarguerite Duras. He directed television films as well, including a documentary on philosopher Jacques Lacan, who has influenced and commented on his work.

Jacquot's films have been described by the director as "talking films." They often center on a young female protagonist.His first feature film,L'Assassin musicien(1976), based on a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, inspired comparisons toRobert Bresson, as did his second film,Les Enfants du placard(1977).L'Assassin musicienstarsAnna Karina, the New Wave actress Jacquot became fascinated with in his early years. Jacquot cast Brigitte Fossey as the lead forEnfants du placard. His third film,Les Ailes de la colombe(1981), was adapted from the novel by Henry James and starsIsabelle Huppertand Dominique Sanda.Corps et Biens(1986) was adapted from a novel by another American writer, James Gunn. In the late 1980s, Jacquot made a few television films before directingLes Mendiants(1988), with Sanda as the lead.

In 1990, Jacquot releasedLa désenchantée, a film that he says renewed his career. His 1990s films demonstrate a greater interest in making personal connections with his audience. They have also enhanced the acting careers of young actresses, such as Judith Godrèche (inLa désenchantée) and Virginie Ledoyen, who plays the lead in the critically acclaimedLa Fille seule(1995). Jacquot has also collaborated with established actresses, such asSandrine BonnaireinLe Septième ciel(1997). He selected Huppert as his lead ofL'École de la chair(1998), which was nominated for a Golden Palm atCannes,Pas de scandale(1999), which was nominated for a Golden Lion at Venice, andLa Fausse suivante(2000). In 1993, he released a short about his mentor Duras, titledÉcrire.

In the twenty-first century, Jacquot directed the period filmsSade(2000), withDaniel Auteuil, andAdolphe(2002), starringIsabelle Adjani. He also directed an adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's opera,Tosca(2001). Jacquot continues to enhance the careers of emerging actresses: Isild Le Besco won a Lumière Award for most promising actress inSadeand is also the star of Jacquot'sA tout de suite(2004). In 2005, Jacquot served on the Jury at Cannes.