|
Pierre Etaix avec Serge Toubiana |
|
Yoyo the "shy clown"
Monday July 9th 2007
Here was an exceptional event at the French Cinemathèque. In collaboration with the Cinemathèque and the Paris City Hall, Paris Cinema set up an opportunity for the public to discover or rediscover Yoyo, a film which had virtually disappeared from movie theatres.
A successful collaboration...
Facing an audience of movie fans, inside the large Henri Langlois film theatre of the Ciemathèque, Philippe Reilhac (general secretary for Paris Cinema), Serge Toubiana (general director of the French Cinémathèque) and Costa Gavras (film director, and president of the French Cinémathèque) welcomed Pierre Etaix, the film director and actor of Yoyo.
Serge Toubiana explained how this screening was rendered possible. The Groupama Gan cinema foundation had restored this major film: an unexpected for opportunity for audiences to rediscover a masterpiece of burlesque cinema!
A shy clown for all ages
Serge Toubiana reminds the audience of how Pierre Etaix charmed his generation with Yoyo or other films such as The Suitor – “such an immense talent calls for further recognition”. His skilful creations in the delicate art of burlesque cinema were written and directed for adults as well as children: they bring out “the child in us”.
Costa Gavras recalls the nickname “shy clown” given to the character played by Pierre Etaix in several of his films. Pierre Etaix's films are rare and amazing examples of a subtle balance between humour, emotion and modesty.
An exemplary restoration
Modest and shy, that Pierre Etaix is. On stage, he voiced his great gratitude: “thank you, this is too much”, he simply said, and called upon Mr François Ede, who was responsible for restoring the film.
« I was very happy to do this work”, said François Ede, “and to be able to see the film again, after 30 years”. He reminded the audience of how extraordinary this screening was – for many years, the film had remained impossible to see, for legal reasons. However, the restoration work was nothing major. Except for one shot, it simply consisted in photochemical procedures. “Exemplary work”, Pierre Etaix assessed.
The film speaks for itself
Pierre Etaix chose to stay for the screening and take advantage of this rare opportunity. After the film, he came on stage and simply bowed, tears in is eyes, as the audience clapped. Thank you, Pierre Etaix.
|
