Intermediate(B1+/B2)
1.5 hours per week for 5 Weeks Starting February 20, 2026
At Online via Zoom
Julien Delbasty
Time Slots
About this Class
This five-week course provides a comprehensive and immersive study of the actors who have shaped the history of French cinema and left an indelible mark on global film culture. Beginning with the golden age of French film and moving through the revolutionary aesthetics of the Nouvelle Vague to the contemporary international acclaim of modern stars, participants will explore the artistry, charisma, and cultural significance of these performers.
Through curated film screenings, close textual and visual analysis, and contextual discussions, the course examines how iconic actors not only interpreted roles but also influenced cinematic trends, reflected societal transformations, and contributed to the construction of enduring star images. Students will investigate the interplay between performance style, directorial vision, and historical context, considering how these figures embodied the spirit of their times while shaping the evolution of French and world cinema.
By engaging with critical readings, archival interviews, and multimedia resources, participants will gain insight into the mechanisms of stardom, the cultural narratives surrounding celebrity, and the legacy of French actors in shaping artistic identity and global cinematic discourse.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:
Identify key figures in French cinema and their contributions to film history.
Analyze the evolution of acting styles and star personas in France.
Understand the cultural and social contexts that influenced iconic performances.
Appreciate the global influence of French actors on international cinema.
Course Outline:
Week 1: The Pioneers of French Cinema
Focus on early legends such as Arletty and Jean Gabin.
The birth of French stardom and poetic realism.
Week 2: Post-War Icons and the New Wave
Brigitte Bardot, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jeanne Moreau.
How the Nouvelle Vague redefined acting and celebrity.
Week 3: The Golden Generation of the 1970s–1980s
Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu, Isabelle Adjani.
Star power and the rise of auteur cinema.
Week 4: Contemporary Luminaries
Juliette Binoche, Marion Cotillard, Vincent Cassel.
French actors on the global stage.
Week 5: Legacy and Influence
How these actors shaped cultural identity and international perceptions of France.
Discussion of enduring star images and future trends.
Pedagogical Approach:
The course combines lectures, film excerpts, interviews, and group discussions. Students will engage with critical readings and visual analysis to deepen their understanding of performance and stardom.