Remembering Alain Delon

I'm trying to get over his death by re-watching Delon's greatest movies. I knew that he was sick and he himself was sure that he didn't have much time left in this life, but the news of his death still shocked me. It's like even when you know that people don't live forever, you hope that some will. I thought Delon would be forever.

I already wrote about one of the movies in which he impressed me beyond words - the death penalty drama "Two men in Town." I also re-watched his last feature film, the 2008 Asterix and the Olympic Games. I loved all Asterix movies with Gerard Depardeau, and this one was a delight as well, in no small measure thanks to Delon playing the hilariously narcissistic Caesar. Also, in real life Depardeau and Delon were great friends, so watching them act in the movie many years after they started to act together was a delight.

The movie is available on Amazon Prime, and you won't regret watching it. I have found a YouTube clip from the movie where Delon has a great narcissistic monologue in front of the mirror. I wish I could find the clip in English (the movie didn't do well with English-speaking audiences for some reason, and was never properly dubbed, but the Amazon Prime version has English subtitles). The clip in French is more authentic and you can really see both his acting skills and comedic chops shining through.

Here's what he says (my translation, better than the subtitles):

Caesar does not age. He matures. His hair doesn't go gray, it brightens. Caesar is immortal, for years to come [throws the V for victory]. Caesar is mighty, all-conquering. He is a Leopard, a Samourai. He is indebted to no man, not Rocco or his brothers, nor the Sicilian Clan! Caesar is of the race of the lords. The Caesar Award for the Best Emperor - to Caesar! Ave moi! [Glory to Me!].

Everything in this clip is marvelous: the music, the huge empty palace and its opulent and luxurious atmosphere, and the emperor's clothing (loved the sandals!). The close-up of his self-loving blue eyes is absolutely hilarious. They are paled by age, and you will have to see his other movies where he is much younger to appreciate how truly deep blue they used to be. The pet leopard the Caesar channels at the beginning of his self-pep talk is also an allusion to one of Delon's most famous films, 1963 Leopard directed by Visconti.

This monologue is so brilliant because it mentions Delon's four best movies and suggests he should get the Caesar award for this role. Delon had only one Caesar - the highest award of the French Cinema Academy - for the 1984 Our Story, even though he was nominated two more times for other films.

Despite Delon's global fame and numerous attempts to break through in Hollywood (he even moved to the US in 1964-1966 and made several later attempts through representation by a powerful agent and multi-movie deals with movie studios), he never received an Oscar. I would be curious to see if the Academy pays him a tribute at the next year's ceremony. It would be a shame if they don't do anything to honor such a huge international star.

Another film that I watched again was 1960 Purple Noon where Delon played Tom Ripley. This was the first ever movie adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mr.Ripley. The American audiences will of course know the 1999 film with Matt Damon better, and the most recent Netflix adaptation that I reviewed here:

But Delon's version of Ripley has its own charm, just because he himself is such a charming and handsome actor. Besides, Purple Noon has a different interpretation of the relationship between Tom and Marj, the main female character of the movie, and several deviations from the plot line. So I am even more interested in reading the book now that I've seen two different versions of its screen adaptations.

Overall, I recommend watching any of the Delon's movies, but if you've never watched anything with him, I'd start with these best six. They are a sure bet to make you fall in love with this great actor and the movie star that will never die and will shine forever.