Les Visiteurs, Papy fait de la résistance, Le Père Noël est une ordure: Jean-Marie Poiré has transformed the face of French comedy with numerous classics whose popularity continues unabated. A prolific director, screenwriter and producer, he stands out for his unique approach to editing and dialogue.
Born in Paris in 1945, Jean-Marie Poiré first tried his hand at rock and photography before moving into the film industry, writing for Michel Audiard, George Lautner and Robert Lamoureux. In 1977, for his first film as a director, he cast Josiane Balasko. She introduced him to the Splendid troupe, from which he adapted Le Père Noël est une ordure (1982). This was his first collaboration with Christian Clavier, who went on to become his favorite actor: they shot and wrote ten feature films together, including Papy fait de la résistance (1983), Mes meilleurs copains (1988), L’Opération Corned-Beef (1991), Les Visiteurs (1993) and Les Anges Gardiens (1995).
Jean-Marie Poiré honored us with his presence at the FIFCL, an opportunity to look back on his films and career.