Anouk Aimée: 10 essential films that showcase the French actor’s genius

Anouk Aimée, the beloved French actress, who graced the silver screen with her ethereal beauty and nuanced performances for decades, has passed away at the age of 92. Born Françoise Dreyfus in Paris in 1932, Aimée was destined for the spotlight. With her luminous dark eyes, porcelain skin, and an enigmatic smile that hinted at hidden depths, she embodied the essence of French elegance and allure. Aimée possessed an innate ability to inhabit complex characters, infusing them with a depth and humanity that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Here are 10 essential films that showcase her remarkable talent and enduring appeal:

1. La Dolce Vita (1960): Federico Fellini's masterpiece of Italian cinema features Aimée as Maddalena, a wealthy socialite who embodies the glamorous yet empty allure of Rome's high society. Her performance, a delicate balance of sophistication and vulnerability, is both mesmerising and poignant.

2. Lola (1961): In Jacques Demy's vibrant musical, Aimée shines as the titular Lola, a cabaret dancer who dreams of a better life while navigating a series of romantic encounters. Her radiant presence and evocative performance capture the essence of Lola's yearning for love and escape.

3. 8½ (1963): Fellini's semi-autobiographical film about a creatively blocked filmmaker features Aimée as Luisa, the wife of the protagonist. Her performance, a blend of understanding and frustration, reflects the complex emotions of a woman caught between love and disillusionment.

4. A Man and a Woman (1966): This romantic drama, directed by Claude Lelouch, stars Aimée as Anne Gauthier, a young widow who falls in love with a race car driver. Her tender and heartfelt performance, filled with subtle nuances, earned her a Golden Globe nomination and solidified her status as a leading lady of French cinema.

5. Justine (1969): In George Cukor's adaptation of Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet, Aimée plays Justine, a mysterious and alluring figure who captivates a young British diplomat. Her enigmatic performance, imbued with sensuality and intrigue, adds to the film's exotic atmosphere.

6. The Model Couple (1977): This satirical comedy by William Klein features Aimée as Claudia, a glamorous fashion model who becomes the subject of a reality TV experiment. Her performance, a blend of self-awareness and irony, critiques the superficiality of the fashion world and the media's obsession with celebrity culture.

7. Leap Into the Void (1980): In Marco Bellocchio's psychological drama, Aimée plays Marta Ponticelli, a woman who orchestrates the assisted suicide of her paraplegic brother. Her complex and morally ambiguous performance challenges viewers' perceptions of compassion and euthanasia.

8. A Hundred and One Nights (1995): Agnès Varda's whimsical tribute to cinema features Aimée as the elderly wife of a dying filmmaker. Her poignant performance, reflecting on a lifetime of memories and experiences, captures the essence of Varda's celebration of cinematic art and its enduring power.

9. Pret-a-Porter (1994): Robert Altman's ensemble comedy about the Paris fashion scene features Aimée as Simone Lowenthal, a veteran designer facing a crisis of creativity. Her performance, a mix of wit and melancholy, reflects the challenges and rewards of a life dedicated to artistic expression.

10. Festival in Cannes (2001): In this satirical comedy by Henry Jaglom, Aimée plays Millie Marquand, a legendary actress who attends the Cannes Film Festival. Her self-referential performance, filled with knowing winks and nods to her own career, is both entertaining and insightful.