Film screening pays tribute to Alain Delon, legend of French cinema

Remember Alain Delon programme presents three films that star the legendary French actor, Alain Delon. Photo courtesy of the French Institute in Việt Nam

HÀ NỘI Cinemaholics will get a chance to watch the legendary French actor, Alain Delon, starring in a special cinematic event that is taking place until January 16, 2025.

The programme, entitled Remember Alain Delon, is organised by the French Institute in Việt Nam in collaboration with BHD Company. It presents three exceptional films in high quality with Vietnamese subtitles on the DANET online streaming platform.

Audiences will get the opportunity to enjoy the actor's exceptional films, representing a golden era in the history of French cinema. The selected films - Soleil Rouge! (Red Sun!), Le Cercle Rouge (The Red Circle) and Plein Soleil (Purple Noon) - are diverse in both content and genre, ensuring a rich viewing experience.

“Alain Delon, hailed as an undeniable symbol of elegance and masculinity, passed away in August last year. He left an indelible mark on the treasure trove of French cinema, where his roles perfectly captured and expressed the conflict between beauty and brutality,” said Olivier Brochet, the French Ambassador to Việt Nam.

“To honor the cinematic legend, the French Embassy has partnered with DANET to present three films that strongly reflect the imprint of Alain Delon."

“I hope these films will impress audiences and inspire them to explore more of the outstanding works of French cinema,” he added.

In Soleil Rouge!, Alain Delon stars alongside Charles Bronson and Ursula Andress in a thriller set in the American West. The film follows a group of outlaws who steal a valuable Japanese sword, leading to a gripping confrontation between cultures. Delon's portrayal of the cunning outlaw adds depth to this action-packed narrative, highlighting themes of honour and revenge.

Directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, Le Cercle Rouge features Delon as Corey, a skilled thief who forms an unlikely alliance with a recently released convict and a hitman. The trio plans an audacious robbery that tests their loyalty and resolve. With its stylish cinematography and minimalist dialogue, the film is a masterclass in tension and character development, showcasing Delon's charisma and intensity.

In 1960 psychological thriller Plein Soleil, Delon plays Tom Ripley, a charming yet morally ambiguous con artist who will go to any lengths to assume another man's identity. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Riviera, the film explores themes of obsession and betrayal. Delon's performance is both captivating and chilling, cementing his status as a cinematic icon in this adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel.

Alain Delon (1935-2024) is regarded as one of the iconic cultural and entertainment figures of his time. With his strikingly handsome and masculine appearance, along with a brooding presence, he left a lasting impression through his portrayals of cunning and seductive criminals.

Delon received numerous prestigious awards, including a César Award for Best Actor for his role in Notre Histoire (1985) and a Lifetime Achievement Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.

His captivating performances and magnetic personality have inspired many international film stars, such as Ryan Gosling and Michael Fassbender from Hollywood and Europe, as well as Tony Leung from Hong Kong (China). Delon also served as a fashion inspiration for Yves Saint Laurent and many other fashion brands. VNS