Leos Carax

Date of Birth: November 22, 1960

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Leos Carax, born Alexandre Oscar Dupont, is a renowned French film director, screenwriter, and actor, known for his unique and often surreal cinematic style. Born on November 22, 1960, in Suresnes, France, Carax emerged as a significant figure in French cinema during the 1980s with his distinctive visual storytelling and dramatic narratives. He adopted the pseudonym Leos Carax, an anagram of his first and middle names, early in his career. Carax’s debut feature film, “Boy Meets Girl” (1984), immediately established him as a visionary filmmaker. However, it was his follow-up, “Mauvais Sang” (1986), that garnered critical acclaim and solidified his reputation. His 1991 film, “Les Amants du Pont-Neuf,” despite its troubled production and delayed release, is considered a masterpiece of French cinema. After a period of relative silence, Carax returned with “Holy Motors” in 2012, a film that received widespread critical acclaim for its inventive narrative and bold visual style. His latest work, “Annette” (2021), is a musical film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Director award.

5 Interesting Facts about Leos Carax

1. Leos Carax’s real name is Alexandre Oscar Dupont, and he created his pseudonym by rearranging the letters of his first and middle names.

2. He is known for his long-term collaboration with actor Denis Lavant, who has appeared in several of his films.

3. “Les Amants du Pont-Neuf” was one of the most expensive French films ever made at the time of its release, partly due to its extensive delays and reshoots.

4. Carax’s film “Holy Motors” received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.

5. Despite his critical acclaim, Carax’s filmography is relatively small, with long gaps between his films due to his meticulous and often challenging production processes.