Tributes increased on Monday following the announcement of the death of filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée, both here in Quebec, where CRAZY has been erected to the rank of classic of cinema, than in Hollywood, where it has managed to make its marks in recent years.
Pierre Even, who co-produced CRAZY, also believes that he will be remembered as one of those, along with Denis Villeneuve, who paved the way for other Quebec directors in the United States.
“The American agents, the big studios, the producers called us after CRAZY to find out who was going to be the next Jean-Marc Vallée. They knew it was coming from Quebec. There really was a competition. And Jean-Marc contributed a lot to that, because he was very generous with his time towards young directors, ”remembers Pierre Even, in shock after learning of the sudden death of his accomplice.
Together, they will have given birth to CRAZY, but also Flora coffee in 2011. Two feature films in which music played a leading role. A great music lover, Jean-Marc Vallée even wrote his scripts while thinking of the song that would play in the film. A recognizable style, which will continue to inspire directors from here and elsewhere, predicts Pierre Even.
“Jean-Marc is a swarm of designers who worked with him and learned a lot from him,” he emphasizes. In 10-15 years, there are still people who will say that they worked with Jean-Marc Vallée. He was a very generous person, very humble. He really cared about others and it showed in his films. This will stay and I will miss it. “
Hollywood tributes
The producer will also remember Jean-Marc Vallée as a demanding and perfectionist director. The shooting of CRAZY had not been easy, while the filmmaker was determined to make a masterpiece that would reach a large audience and make an impression. In the end, the bet was successful.
“He was putting immense pressure on himself. He said it was going to be his last movie. And I told him that he was far too talented for this to be his last film, ”Pierre Even recounts with nostalgia.
In the end, he was the one who was right. Jean-Marc Vallée continued to tour in the United States. With Dallas Buyers Club in 2013, he became the first Quebec director to be nominated for the Oscar for best film. Will follow the following year Wild, which will also be praised by the critics.
” My heart is broken. My friend. I love you, ”Reese Witherspoon, the star of the film, wrote on Twitter after learning of the 58-year-old director’s death.
On social networks, a wave of tribute swept over the course of the day. “Hey man, what happened to you leaving so early?” I love you my friend ”, reacted the director Denis Villeneuve, now the only Quebecer to enjoy such notoriety in Hollywood.
The Premier of Quebec, François Legault, also reacted to the death of Jean-Marc Vallée, praising his great kindness and his qualities as a filmmaker, ” CRAZY at Big little lies », A very successful series starring Nicole Kidman, which he had recently produced.