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Denys Arcand

Director

Denys Arcand

Born June 25, 1941 in Deschambault, Quebec, Canada30 films

Georges-Henri Denys Arcand CC GOQ (born June 25, 1941) is a French-Canadian film director, screenwriter and producer based in Montreal, who crafts deeply personal and thought-provoking films, earning international acclaim. His career began with features like "Une Maudite Galette" (1972) and "Gina" (1975), exploring diverse narratives. "The Decline of the American Empire" (1986) depicted Quebecois intellectuals tackling issues of sexuality, success, and intimacy, winning critical acclaim, nine Genies, and a Cannes Fipresci prize.

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"Jesus of Montreal" delved into the lives of Montreal artists portraying biblical figures, blending day-to-day struggles with religious performances. Arcand's film "Stardom" satirized fame, closing Cannes 2000 and opening TIFF, a rare honour for Canadian cinema. "The Barbarian Invasions," a sequel to his earlier work, earned Arcand an Oscar, Cannes prizes, French Cesars, and Quebec Jutra awards, solidifying his cinematic legacy.

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The best way into Denys Arcand's work
The Barbarian Invasions posterFirst watchThe Barbarian Invasions20037.0In this belated sequel to 'The Decline of the American Empire', middle-aged Montreal college professor, Remy, learns that he is dying of liver cancer.View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
The Fall of the American Empire poster6.6The Fall of the American Empire2018The Decline of the American Empire poster6.7The Decline of the American Empire1986Jesus of Montreal poster6.8Jesus of Montreal1989Days of Darkness poster6.5Days of Darkness2007An Eye for Beauty poster3.4An Eye for Beauty2014

Filmography

30 films as director
  1. 2023TestamentDirector
  2. 2018The Fall of the American EmpireDirector
  3. 2016Burghers of VancouverDirector
  4. 2014An Eye for BeautyDirector
  5. 2007Days of DarknessDirector
  6. 2003The Barbarian InvasionsDirector
  7. 2000StardomDirector
  8. 1996Poverty and Other DelightsDirector
  9. 1994Love & Human RemainsDirector
  10. 1991Montreal StoriesDirector
  11. 1991Letters of a Portuguese NunDirector
  12. 1989Jesus of MontrealDirector
  13. 1986The Decline of the American EmpireDirector
  14. 1984The Crime of Ovide PlouffeDirector
  15. 1982Comfort and IndifferenceDirector
  16. 1976The Struggle of Hospital WorkersDirector
  17. 1975GinaDirector
  18. 1973Réjeanne PadovaniDirector
  19. 1972Quebec: Duplessis and After...Director
  20. 1972Dirty MoneyDirector
  21. 1970Cotton Mill, TreadmillDirector
  22. 1967Atlantic ParksDirector
  23. 1966VolleyballDirector
  24. 1965Montréal un jour d'étéDirector
  25. 1965Ville-MarieDirector
  26. 1965The Road to the WestDirector
  27. 1964ChamplainDirector
  28. 1964Québec 1603 - Samuel de ChamplainDirector
  29. 1962Alone or with OthersDirector
  30. 1959East of EatonDirector