Patrick Dewaere (1992) Reviews

The Breton-born French actor Patrick Dewaere (1947-1982) was acclaimed as one of the two best actors of his generation, along with Gerard Depardieu, before his death by suicide at age 35. This documentary is an exploration of the man's life and work, featuring clips from his many films and interviews with some of his friends and relatives. Notably absent is any appearance by his friend and rival Depardieu. In addition to celebrating his gifts, the documentary explores the state of mind which led to the gifted actor's death at the height of his thirty-year career. Apparently, no one appreciated that this handsome man's gift for playing troubled losers had a profound basis in his offscreen life. This film was first shown at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, which had instituted a special acting prize in Dewaere's name the year after his death, in 1983. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi