Hugh Hudson had a dazzling success in 1981 with his film “Chariots of Fire”, which tells the story of two athletes, one of whom, Harold Abrahams, a young Jew, is plagued by anti-Semitism during the Olympics. of 1924.
Briton Hugh Hudson, director of the cult film The Chariots of Fire in 1981, died Friday at the age of 86, his family said.
“Hugh Hudson, 86, beloved husband and father, died at Charing Cross Hospital (London) on February 10, 2023 following a short illness”says a statement on behalf of his family.
Born in August 1936 in London, Hugh Hudson enjoyed dazzling success in 1981 by directing The Chariots of Firewhich tells the story of two British athletes including Harold Abrahams, a young Jew plagued by anti-Semitism in his quest for Olympic gold in 1924. Remembered in particular for his famous song by Vangelis, the film was crowned with four Oscars, including Best Picture.
“I am beyond devastated that my great friend Hugh Hudson, whom I have known for over 45 years, has passed away”reacted in a press release the british actor Nigel Havers, who played in the film.
“Chariots of Fire was one of the greatest experiences of my professional life. And, like so many others, I owe him much of what followed.”did he declare.
“Controversial”
According to the British Film Institute, The Chariots of Fire became at the time “one of the most controversial British films of the decade”, perceived as a critical “radical of establishment snobbery”.
In an interview with the Guardian in 2012, the director, who studied at the prestigious Eton college, said he thought he had been chosen by the producer to direct the film because “issues of class and race spoke to me”.
“I had been sent to Eton because my family had been there for generations, but I hated all the prejudice”, he said. In addition to this cult film, Hugh Hudson had a career in advertising and documentaries.
He had a son and had been married since 2003 to British actress Maryam d’Abo, known for her role as the Bond girl in 1987’s Killing Is Not Playing.