Michel Blanc: His brilliant, unnoticed role in Santa Claus is rubbish

Michel Blanc: His brilliant, unnoticed role in Santa Claus is rubbish



Michel Blanc is no longer with us, but his roles are immortal

Michel Blanc, one of the emblematic figures of French cinema and founding member of the famous Splendid troupe, died suddenly on October 4 at the age of 72. Actor, director and screenwriter, Michel Blanc has left his mark on generations with his humor and its cult rolesin particular that of the unforgettable Jean-Claude Dusse in the three films Les Bronzés.

Michel Blanc makes his debut with the Splendid troupe, alongside Gérard Jugnot, Christian Clavier, Thierry Lhermitte, Josiane Balasko and Marie-Anne Chazel. Together, they created cult comedies that have become landmarks in French cinema, such as The Bronzed AND Santa Claus is rubbish. These films, originally based on plays, quickly won over audiences with their offbeat humor and colorful characters.

But Michel Blanc didn’t limit himself to group comedy. He was also able to demonstrate his talent in more dramatic registers, particularly with his film Walk in the shade (1984), which he wrote and directed, and which he met in enormous success with the public. His performance in Mr Hire (1989), where he plays a lonely and disturbing man, earned him critical recognition, demonstrating the extent of his acting talent.

In 1986, he won the Best Actor Award at Cannes for his role in Evening dressesBest Screenplay Award at Cannes in 1994 for Very tiredthen the César for best supporting actor State exercise in 2012.

Michel Blanc plays Santa Claus is rubbish but we don’t see him

In the cult comedy Santa Claus is rubbish (1982), Michel Blanc plays a minor but memorable role: a man on the telephone who contacts the SOS Détresse Amitié line.

His character, though present only vocallyhe violently insults Thérèse, played by Anémone, with surprising vulgarity, in one of the most cult scenes of the film. He later also insults Marie-Ange (played by Josiane Balasko), before the stunned eyes of Josette (Marie-Anne Chazel).

Source: Cine Serie

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