Bertrand Blier, Think Cinema's Chaplin Trophy 2021

Director, screenwriter and writer Bertrand Blier redefined the codes of French cinema with a subversive filmography characterised by corrosive humour and a scathing, fiercely funny tone. In 1974, he enjoyed success with the film adaptation of his first novel, Les Valseuses, which introduced Gérard Depardieu, Patrick Dewaere and Miou-Miou to the public. He reunited the male duo in Préparez vos mouchoirs (1978), which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. This was followed by Buffet froid (1979) and Tenue de soirée (1986). In 1991, he directed a female duo for the first time, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Anouk Grinberg, in Merci la vie, which he considers his best film. In 1989, Trop belle pour toi won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Festival and five César Awards. His latest film, Convoi exceptionnel (2019), stars Gérard Depardieu and Christian Clavier.