Louis Malle: Portraits of America

Priding himself on his eclecticism when many of his generational cohort of French filmmakers were eager to be seen as auteurist specialists, Louis Malle was perhaps better suited than most Gallic cineastes to cross the Atlantic—and so he did, with aplomb, arriving in the United States towards the end of the 1970s and producing a body of work every bit as distinguished here as that which he’d left behind back home. Accompanying our US premiere of Claire Duguet’s new documentary Louis Malle, le révolté, with Duguet in attendance, Metrograph—with help from the filmmaker’s daughters, Justine Malle and Vogue US editor Chloé Malle, who will be on hand —takes a look back at Malle’s years in les États-Unis. Vive l’Alliance Franco-Américaine!

“It is such an honor to be part of showcasing my father’s American films, especially on the 250th anniversary of the US. I believe Louis’s relationship to this country brought out the best in him as a person and as a filmmaker, as well as highlighting the best of American narratives and perspectives.” —Chloé Malle

“My father’s American films are among my favorite of his (my favorite is Vanya 42nd Street) and his two documentaries—one a celebration of rural America, the other of the American melting pot—though less known than his fictions, still resonate strongly today.” —Justine Malle

With the support of Unifrance and Villa Albertine