Leos Carax

Alex Christophe Dupont, better known as Leos Carax, is a renowned French film director, critic, writer, and actor. Noteworthy for his poetic style and intense depictions of love, his major works have made significant impacts in the world of cinema. His career began with short films and criticism, but quickly evolved. His reputation was established with his mature visual style in 'Boy Meets Girl' (1984). This also marked the first collaboration with Denis Lavant and cinematographer Jean-Yves Escoffier. His film 'Mauvais Sang' (Bad Blood) in 1986 further examined the complexities of love but from a darker, criminal viewpoint. It was a clear tribute to French New Wave cinema, and his casting of actresses like Juliette Binoche mirrors his inspiration from Jean-Luc Godard. After a five-year hiatus, he returned with 'Les Amants du Pont-Neuf', his most ambitious venture at the time. Financial setbacks and unexpected injuries elongated the shooting period, but upon release, it became a critical success. It paved the way for Carax's more experimental works such as 'Pola X', an adaption of Herman Melville's 'Pierre: or, The Ambiguities'. Lavant starred in Carax's 2012 film 'Holy Motors', competing for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Carax also forayed into music, performing in Sparks's album 'Hippopotamus'. Recently, Carax directed 'Annette', a music-filled drama penned by Sparks, garnering him the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director in 2021. Slated for 2024 is Carax's 'An Urban Allegory', where he will be in front of the camera for a change.