Retrospective 2023 | The big departures

It was a year of big departures in the seventh art, starting with those of actor Michel Côté, our colleague and friend Marc-André Lussier, and Xavier Dolan, who is leaving cinema.

Xavier Dolan quits cinema

“When there’s no one in the room, it’s all for nothing! For nothing ! That makes me bitter. And I don’t want to be bitter,” Xavier Dolan told me in February 2022. I can’t say that I was surprised to hear him say, last July, that he was quitting cinema . “I could eventually make series, but I no longer want to make films. The world, in my opinion, is in bad shape, and I want to get involved. I’ve been doing it for a while, without trumpeting it, but I want to display my convictions more. My projects, from now on, are elsewhere,” he wrote on Instagram. Like many moviegoers, I wholeheartedly hope that he reverses his decision.

Michel Côté has left us

Died in May at the age of 72, Michel Côté was both a comic and dramatic actor who left his mark on popular cinema and auteur cinema,In the moonlight from André Forcier to From father to cop 2 by Émile Gaudreault. His work was also varied in theater and on television, from The little life has Omertà and of Broue to Tennessee Williams. He was accessible, eminently likeable, but retained an element of mystery by blending into his characters of alpha males or scapegoats. CRAZY by Jean-Marc Vallée crystallized for posterity the place of Côté not only in our cinematography, but also in Quebec culture. It will forever remain an inseparable face.

Farewell, Marc-André!

In the world of Quebec cinema, Marc-André Lussier, who passed away suddenly at the end of June, at the age of 63, was recognized for his sense of nuance, his encyclopedic knowledge, and his great credibility. He was never complacent, but he knew how to put things into perspective. Finding light where many saw only darkness. Or, on the contrary, dare to point out the downside in the concert of praise. Always with the reader’s interest at heart and in mind. He was a pillar, not only for readers, but also for his colleagues at The Press and other media. Marc-André was also kindness personified. For me, above all, he was a great friend. Who I miss sorely. Every day I measure how lucky I am to have known him.

The Johnny Depp controversy in Cannes

A collective of French actresses and actors accused the Cannes Film Festival of rolling out its red carpet to rapists and attackers by programming the opening film Jeanne du Barry, by Maïwenn, starring Johnny Depp. The actor has been banned from American film sets since his trials against his ex-wife, who had alleged that she had been the victim of domestic violence on his part. “I am the last person to be able to talk to you about all this, because if there is one person in the world who is not interested in this high-profile trial, it’s me,” defended the general delegate. Thierry Frémaux. I don’t know what it’s about, I’m interested in Depp as an actor. » A very short argument.

Holy shit

“But anyway, what the hell got into you? Holy shit! » These are two sentences taken from the version dubbed in France of the series The night Laurier Gaudreault woke up by Xavier Dolan, whose Quebec vernacular poetry was cut for French television. Nonsense in my opinion, since we speak the same language. In a column, I called on the French to make a minimum of effort to understand the particularities linked to our regionalisms. “It is not, as you will have understood, a flattering reading,” wrote International mail by reposting my rant. “But it’s also very funny, and it is – we promise – untranslated. »

Hollywood destabilized by strike

The double strike of Hollywood screenwriters and actors, launched in July, had an impact on fall film releases, which were unable to benefit from the usual promotional tours of their actors. The Toronto and Venice festivals, where the stars usually shine, have been deserted by Hollywood. Blockbusters like Dune – Part Two had to postpone their release date (to 1^er March for the film by Denis Villeneuve). There will certainly be a dip in television and film programming in the coming months, caused by this long labor dispute, which was only resolved at the end of September. But for now, the actors and screenwriters have managed to distance the threat of artificial intelligence a little…

The rebirth of the Stones

The new Rolling Stones album, Hackney Diamonds, surprised more than one. Firstly because Charlie Watts died two years ago and the legendary group had not released an album since 2005. Secondly, because this 26^e album is frankly not bad, thanks to the good old rock and roll mixed with rhythm and blues which made the reputation of the Mick Jagger band. By lending his voice to the incantatory Sweet Sounds of HeavenLady Gaga reminds us of a certain Merry Clayton on Gimme Shelter. It’s not all good – the first single from the album, Angrysmells reheated – but it is a collection of songs that do not stand out in the rich discography of the legendary octogenarian rockers.

Louis-José Houde goes to the top

At 18^e and final entertainment of the ADISQ Gala, Louis-José Houde abandoned himself less than usual to his false dandy delusions. We were treated to a more solemn LJH, like his elegant double-breasted jacket. More introspection, restraint and confidence, he made people laugh as much as they think. A large part of the success of this gala has been due, for 18 years, to its host. We always looked forward to his opening monologue. It set the tone for the rest of the evening. Louis-José Houde was able to find the perfect balance between homage, teasing and the well-cookedness of the artists in the running. We will now have to do without it. Imagine the pressure of whoever takes over…

Who is the “father” of Ru ?

In November, screenwriter Jacques Davidts was stung when he noticed that there was little mention of him in the media coverage surrounding the film’s release Ru. “I find it hurtful, not only for me, but for all the writers,” he confided. Several screenwriters supported Davidts on social networks, recalling that they are too often “forgotten” in the promotion of Quebec films. The director of Ru, Charles-Olivier Michaud, denied having appropriated Davidts’ work. Beyond bruised egos, the controversy raised the relevant question of the authorship of a film. Which did not prevent Ruthe adaptation of Kim Thúy’s novel, to enjoy critical and popular success.