MOLINARO, EDOUARD

(1928- )

Director and screenwriter. Edouard Molinaro began his filmmaking career in the 1950s. A contemporary of the directors of theNouvelle Vagueor New Wave, Molinaro seemed little influenced by the aesthetics and poetics of these directors and is often considered to be a commercial filmmaker rather than a New Waveauteur. His first film wasLes Alchimistes(1957), and it was followed byLe dos aux murs(1958), featuringJeanne MoreauandGérard Oury, andDes femmes disparaissent(1959), starring Robert Hossein.

Molinaro is best known for his internationally successful filmLa Cage aux folles, which was France's best-selling film in 1978.Based on a play by Jean Poiret and starring Michel Serrault alongside Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi,La Cage aux follesis frequently cited in studies of cinematic representations of homosexuality, camp, and comedy. It was nominated for an Oscar in 1980 and was remade in Hollywood asThe Birdcage. Its sequel,La Cage aux folles 2(1980), was also very popular.

Molinaro has directed a number of other French blockbusters, includingOscar(1967), starring the beloved comic actorLouis de Funès,Hibernatus(1969), also with de Funès,Mon oncle Benjamin(1969), andL'Emmerdeur(1973). Although not a member of the New Wave, he collaborated with several of its icons. He codirectedLes Sept Péchés capitauxwithClaude Chabrol;Jean-Claude Brialystarred in hisArsène Lupin contre Arsène Lupin(1962) andLa Chasse à l'homme(1964); andBrigitte Bardotplayed the lead inUne ravissante idiote(1964). However, he has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with these films and seems to wish not to be defined by commercial success.

Molinaro worked with some of France's best-known actors, among them Serrault, who played inLa Cage aux folles,La Cage aux folles2,Quand passent les faisans(1965), andLa Liberté en croupe(1970). He has also worked withLino Venturain films such asUn témoin dans la ville(1959).Annie Girardotstarred inLa Mandarine(1971) andCause toujours. . .tu m'intéresses! (1979).Daniel Auteuilacted inPour cent briques t'as plus rien(1982),Palace(1985), andL'Amour en douce(1985).Claude Brasseurstarred inPalaceandLe Souper(1992). Molinaro directed an American film,Just the Way You Are(1984), starring Kristy McNichol. His most recent films for the cinema to date are theheritage filmBeaumarchais l'insolent(1995) andLe Mal de mère(2001).