French star appears in first film since stroke
Friday, January 23rd, 2009
Belmondo stirs emotion, opposition with realistic portrayal in ‘A Man and his Dog’
From the New York Times:
French mega-star Jean-Paul Belmondo, best known for his roles as an athletic and adventurous leading man, is now appearing in his first film since a stroke in 2001 paralyzed the right side of his body.
The 75-year-old Belmondo agreed to appear in “A Man and His Dog” only if it showed him as he is. “I hope,” he said, “to be an example for all. I hope.”
Public response to the film in Europe has been mixed, and some of the media criticism has been “savage.” An excerpt:
The most scathing critique came from the Swiss-based daily Le Matin, which called “A Man and His Dog” “absolutely despicable” and a “leaden melodrama” that subjects viewers to “an undignified Calvary that inspires only one embarrassing feeling: pity.”
The best way to deal with the film would be to boycott it, Le Matin added.
… For other Belmondo supporters and friends, the film is nothing less than an inspirational tour de force.
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