About
Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) was a major figure of 20th-century French modernism. A poet, novelist, playwright, filmmaker, painter, and designer, he left his mark on all the arts. His work includes novels such as Les Enfants terribles, plays such as La Machine infernale, and films such as La Belle et la Bête and the Orphic trilogy. He collaborated with Picasso, Satie, and Stravinsky. Elected to the Académie Française in 1955, he also presided over the Cannes Film Festival jury twice.
* 1889-07-05 — † 1963-10-11
Major works
- Les Enfants terribles (1929)novel
- La Machine infernale (1934)play
- La Belle et la Bête (1946)film
- Orphée (1950)film
- Le Testament d'Orphée (1960)film
Key milestones
- 1917Wrote the scenario for the ballet Parade, with sets by Picasso and music by Erik Satie.
- 1955Elected to the Académie Française, occupying seat 31.
- 1953Presided over the Cannes Film Festival jury for the first time.
Themes
mythologypoetrysurrealismlove and deathartistic creation
Sources: musee-orsay.fr · academie-francaise.fr