Patrice Chereau is the greatest director in the world. The greatest director of opera. The greatest director of theater. The greatest director of film
According to the Wiki: “Patrice Chéreau was born in Lézigné, Maine-et-Loire, and went to school in Paris. At a young age he became well-known to Parisian critics as director, actor, and stage manager of his high-school theatre (lycée Louis-le-Grand). At 15, he was enthusiastically celebrated as a theatre prodigy. In 1964, at the age of 19, he began directing for the professional theatre. In 1966 he created a very busy Public-Theatre at the Parisian suburb of Sartrouville. In 1969, he staged his first opera. The following year he established a close relationship with the leadership of the Piccolo-Teatro in Milan, Paolo Grassi and Giorgio Strehler. In 1975 he worked in Germany for the first time directing Edward Bond's Lear. He often collaborated with Claude Stratz.
Chereau's most discussed production was his 1976 centennial staging of Richard Wagner's tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen at the Bayreuth Festival, conducted by Pierre Boulez. Polarizing fans and critics, Chereau chose to set the operas during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, and was thought to have emphasized the dramatic rather than the musical elements of the works.
His influence on opera productions around the world was increasingly visible ever since that milestone production, having substantial impact on concepts of other directors and designers who had chosen to follow the path of the so-called "Regietheater", which may involve the transposition of the stage action into a different historical context by means of anachronistic or abstract costumes and set designs.”
But that ain’t the half of it. To me he is now and forever the director of The Greatest Motion Picture Ever Made
Here’s a link to my Film Quarterly piece on it.
Here’s Chereau talking about it
Prior to that he was famous for Queen Margot
And before that L’Homme Blesse.
Co-scripted with Herve Guibert L'Homme Blesse' was an evocation of New York’s West Village in the 70’s and the bars Chereau hung out in there. Also the piers where his discovery Bernard-Marie Koltes used to play (once with yours truly)
Wasn’t he lovely?
Most important of all to Chereau’s fame was his production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
His other films include Intimacy in which his leads Mark Rylance and Kerry Fox actually had sex with one another.
But most exciting of all was his good pal Marianne Faithful
Whereas Ceux Qui m’aimememnt centered on fathers and sons Son Frere was about brothers
My piece on Son Frere
I interviewed Chereau about it
Trailer for Son Frere
A total change of pace, Gabrielle was an adaptation of a Joseph Conrad novel written in homage to Henry James
His latest film, Persecution
Chereau says
Chereau is the most supremely physical of artists. All his work -- theatrical and cinematic -- is about bodies.
That was clear from his first film Flesh of the Orchid an adaptation of James Hadley Chase’s sequel to No Orchids For Miss Blandish starring Charlotte Rampling
whose body is put at the less-than-tender mercies of Bruno Cremer, Hughes Quester, Simone Signoret, Alida Valli, Edwige Feuillere and Eve Francis.
As for Chereau’s body -- it ain’t bad.
Jeff Buckley will sing us out.
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p.s. Hey. Today the maestro David Ehrenstein gives us an impassioned introduction to the legendary and multi-disciplinary director Patrice Chereau. Please explore the post and talk back accordingly to David, and thanks a lot, and many thanks to you, David for the fine gift. Okay, so yesterday was an intense day on the blog, and I'm both jet lagged and under the gun due to it being the usual cleaning/exile day here at the Recollets, so I'll just do my best. ** Misanthrope, Oh, man, I do need a jetlag cure over here, so thanks for coming to my rescue. I'll dig in once the p.s. and exile are history. Everyone, d.l., writer and purveyor of big-hearted controversy Misanthrope has some new, in his words, 'filth' guaranteed to cure what ails you. Please join me in seeking nirvana by clicking this. ** Oscar B, Hey, O. No, I won't let what happened effect the blog unnecessarily. Onwards we go, starting now. Talk to you later, I imagine, I hope. ** Alan, I hope goes everything as well as possible in Glen Falls, man. I'm so sorry you have to deal with that in the first place, but stay strong, and I know you will. Well, yeah, about having respect for younger people desires and wants, although I do think the issue of the consensual where it involves someone very young and an adult is very, very tricky and complicated and difficult to determine given young people's dependence on adults for their livelihood and given the fact that they're disempowered in their lives on so many fronts. ** Allesfliesst, Well, worse comes to worse, that apartment yesterday sounds pretty nice, raw or not. Still, I hope you find something at least slightly more ideal. Having had 24 more hours to sort of vaguely sleep on it, if you want to call that sleep, I'm certain that what happened won't change my trusting attitude toward the blog and the great people here. I'd rather be caught short than give that up. That's fascinating about your paper focused on Plexus. Yes, indeed, I would really love to be able to read that. How incredibly interesting. Thanks a lot, Kai. All best and love to you. ** Tosh, Any chance of seeing you sometime today? How we do this? By email? If you have time, just let me know, and I'm free all day and evening, just here working, and I would love to see you at the drop of a hat if you end up having the time. If not, it's nice to know you're here. Thanks a lot about the blog, T. I think everything will be okay. ** David Ehrenstein, Thank you so much again 'in person' for the post today, David. No, the 'Gabe' thing didn't begin to reach JT Leroy proportions, and there's no real sign than it would have or that that was the person's intention. It's sad to me, but you live and you learn, and here's where my pragmatism comes in very handy. I think the New York Press thing is going to be mostly about the Honore film as the guy had interviewed Francois Sagat the day before, and many of the questions were about Francois, working with him, making the film, etc. So, it should be a pretty okay piece. ** WHS, Hey, welcome to the blog, and thanks a lot for posting. It's certainly good that you spoke up since your comment seemed to give others here the wherewithal to speak their minds too. Like I've said, I try to see/run the blog as a completely inviting place to anyone who wants to join in. If people want to be here, they're welcome, and then the community reshapes slightly with each new person, and my idea is that any problems that result will be worked out via the discussions and dynamics of the people here. I guess the discussion and venting yesterday is how this situation will be resolved, and, not wanting to try to regulate who can be here and who can't, I hope that's a sign that my notion of this place works in some way. I don't know. Anyway, I greatly appreciate your thoughts and input, and please do feel free to join in here any time you like, okay? Take care. ** Nb, Hey, N. Thanks for being so honest and forthright. I had great problems with Will's comment of the other day, too, obviously, but I guess I'll wait and talk to him directly about that when I come to his comment below. Love to you. ** Pilgarlic, Thanks, man. I'm not going to let it get me down. Things are cool. ** FreeFox, Hey, FF, it's really nice to see you. Wise words about the Gabe thing. Yeah, I hear you. The reveal was pretty discombobulating in the moment, and I guess if it hadn't been, it would mean I didn't actually care about the guy, and that would be much worse, you know? You good in general? What's going on in your stuff and in your life of late? ** Empty Frame, Thanks for the welcome back, man. Yeah, things won't change here, from my perspective at least. While I don't know the motivations behind the 'Gabe' thing, I don't think it was careerist in nature. It didn't feel like that anyway. Really glad you were also blown away by 'EtV'. Yeah, we'll have to talk about it. That film has had a real and evolving impact on me and maybe even on my writing at some point, we'll see. Thanks for being so honest about your thoughts and feelings on Will's comment. It was a raucous day yesterday, but I think it was a valuable one. Ouch and healing vibes, etc, about Osbourne. Ouch. ** 'Stoopid Slapped Puppies', Hey, Nick! The Oscar the Cat book is out? Awesome and congrats to the world! I can't wait to see it. Oh, listen, Nick, it's been a total gift and complete joy to get to know you and your work thanks to this blog. A total honor, and it occasioned a great comradeship/ friendship that I wouldn't trade for anything. So, really, the thanks are all mine. Truly. Oh, before I forget and while I have you, your post is going up here on Saturday. Thanks for that, and love and respect supreme to you, my pal. ** Bill, Hi, Bill. I might be in LA for Xmas. I'm not sure yet. It kind of depends on whether the possible 'Them' show(s) in NYC in January happen or not. I hope I can go home for Xmas. I'm missing LA and my friends like crazy, and it would be awesome to see you. ** Sypha, Hey, man. Thanks a lot. I think the know the person on Facebook that you're talking about. She and are I are FB 'friends', and I'm on good terms with her, and, from what little I know about the origins of the 'Gabe' thing, I'm positive she wasn't behind it. ** Steevee, Well, yeah, exactly. One known deceit in all the history of the blog is pretty amazing given how wide open the doors here are. Knock on wood. ** Toniok, Dude, that is such fantastic news on both fronts! Wow, that's just so heartening and wonderful, and it's about fucking time the world got a clue about your great work. I'm so happy for you, for everyone, man. That's just great! Wow, I wish I could be there too! Be sure to document the shows and work and everything, and if there's some online evidence, please let me know. Hugs, champagne, and love you, T! ** Tomkendall, Hey, Tom. I wouldn't mind hearing how that 'Blasted' performance is, if you care to share. Let me know if you put the piece online, or if the magazine does. You might come to Paris? Great! I'd love to see you, man, and I'm sure Oscar and Kiddiepunk would be way into seeing you too. Let me know. ** Will Decker, I'm going to be honest with you. I think the reason people jumped all over you here was because your comment of the other day was absurd and based on grotesque generalities. A blanket statement that pedophile mentors are better for boys than heterosexual fathers is completely ridiculous. Did that statement even remotely take into account what children might think and want? No, hardly. It was entirely self-serving, and all about your needs and wants regarding young people, and for you to talk about people here having a 'sick idea of children' is really hypocritical, Will. There are therapists and a couple of books in the world to support any theory, so that back up is not convincing. I've told you in the past on more than one occasion that this blog is not a place for people to come in and promote their agenda. You don't see me using this blog to convert people to anarchism. No one here does the kind of relentless promotion of their beliefs and viewpoints that you do. It's just inappropriate. And I had thought the fact that no one here including me ever responds to your proselytizing on behalf of pedophilia would clue you into the fact that it's out of place, but you never seem to pay any attention to the general lack of interest in your comments in that regard. You just continue, and I try not to set guidelines of what people can and can't say here because I don't want to control the context, but I did ask you not to do that, and you either won't or can't seem to help yourself in that regard. If you wanted to engage people in a reasonable discussion of the pros and cons of pedophilia on an occasion in which the subject was an issue either in the post or comments, that might be very interesting, but you don't do that. You make statements and insinuations day after day, irregardless of what the post covers on that particular day or what everyone else here is discussing. I think that is what offends people here more than anything. You once described yourself as someone whose goal was to convert people to your cause, and that seems to be most of your motivation for being here. So, you went too far with that comment, and people called you on it, and you didn't even engage with their specific criticisms. You again revert to using generalities: pedophilia is good, people who don't support pedophilia are sick. That's such a simplistic and pointlessly broad thing to say. See, it seems to me that you don't actually care what young people want and desire. I see absolutely no indication that you do. That troubles me tremendously. My impression is that you think any boy who doesn't want to be with an older man romantically and/or sexually is brainwashed, and that's a dangerously singleminded position, if you ask me. If my assumptions are wrong, then prove me wrong. Make your case, but enough of this dismissing of all criticism of you and your position as sick and fascist and whatever else. That's bullshit and chickenshit, Will. ** Wolf, Hey, Wolf. Mm, I can't see people here as ghosts, no. I mean, I talk to people here six days a week, and I pay close attention to what they say and who they are, and I care about and respect the people here in a real, deep way. To me, you all are comrades and friends and peers. If I didn't see people here as real, I couldn't do this. I think maybe since most people here are in a position where they can pick and choose what comments they want to read and people they want to get to know, etc., the ghost premise might work. But I can't do that. It would making doing the p.s. too conceptual and calculating for me or something, you know? I guess ultimately, I'd rather face the possibility of being fucked with than give up my sincerity and my belief in the people here. Hm, yeah, I just see 'EtV' really differently than you. I write fiction where what happens and what characters believe or do or etc. has nothing to do with my own beliefs, so I have no trouble seeing the film as having a particular conceit, and I don't feel interested in what Noe himself actually believes while he devises a film. The film is a film to me. I think 'EtV' is imperfect, and I think if one wants to try to nitpick it, there are certainly things to criticize and question, but, for me, it's astonishing and audacious and brilliant, and I'm interested in why it's so amazing, to my mind, and the flaws just seem to me part and parcel of trying to make something so ambitious. I feel really grateful to it. I don't feel suspicious of it or of Noe at all. We just have different ways of experiencing and approaching the film, basically, I guess. No right or wrong. Whatever makes it interesting is the way to go, you know? ** David, Like I said to Sypha, I'm pretty sure it wasn't done by the person you're talking about. ** Heliotrope, Hey, Mark. Strange, intense couple of days around here. But it's all for the good ultimately, I'm sure. Cool about the anniversary. I knew you guys would pull it out. I just got an email from my accountant too, gulp. Love love love to you too, my bud. ** Postitbreakup, Hey, man. Thanks for your thoughts on Will's comment. They were very cogent and appreciated. How are you doing? Have you managed to write or keep your thoughts working in or around the possibility of writing? ** Jesse Hudson, Hey, Jesse. Yeah, 'Gabe' might not have been real, but somebody out there is quite the writer, and I hope the writing survives the loss of the persona because the talent there was real and a no brainer. Thanks a lot for your thoughts about the topic du jour. They were quite clear and thought-out, don't worry. Talk to you soon. ** Waiting for John, Wait, you're Shane? Holy shit! How can I ever trust you again, ha ha? No, no, no, that's fascinating. I had no idea. Shane, you are one seriously talented and brilliant motherfucker, do you know that? Crazy. Anyway, back to the John situation ... wow, you've had a very eventful time since you last graced this humble abode. Did I already say wow? If not, wow. Clearly, I have some serious catching up to do over on ye olde site. Man, awesome stuff. Serious respect and love and ... did I already say wow? ** Here's where I got exiled. It's over an hour later now. In fact, it's already past 1 pm by my clock, and I'm barely half way through the p.s., so I'm going to have to speed way up, and my apologies. ** JoeM, It's true, between our boats and crews, we've got it coming and going. Thanks, of course, for your thinking re: the WD situation, Joe. ** Colin, Hey, man. Thanks a lot. Yeah, for better or worse, I'm going to keep trundling along here with wide open eyes. I don't know any other way. ** Little foal, Hey, Darren. I don't know, I say embrace the backpack, and christen it with champagne even. Solid object treats are nice, oh deserving one. Oh, ha ha, awesome, I just clicked your first link. Everyone, click this and then this, and feel the bittersweetness. Are those red things on the backpack lights? For 60 pounds, I certainly hope so. Kidding! Anyway, I've got to zoom or else I'll be launching the p.s. after dark. A love supreme. ** Lux, Hey, hero of the hour(s) of the other day! Thanks a lot, man. It was a big hit, duh. I have to keep moving, but, yeah, just thanks so much, and all the best. ** _Black_Acrylic, Parlour game or not, it was quite lovely and clever, man. ** Chilly Jay Chill, Hi, Jeff. We just missed each other in NYC. What a shame. I'm excited to hear how the project goes, as much as you care to share. No, between 'Them' and the novel, I really haven't read or seen or heard much of anything in weeks. Thanks, Jeff. ** MANCY, Hey. Oh, great, I'll go look for your email. Thank you so much. We can confer about the hows and whens and all of that. Nothing but my pleasure about the Sarah Kane. It's great to have you here. ** Polter, Hi, Polter. It's a real pleasure to see you. Thanks about the blog. I think this place will survive in tact and with its airiness. I hope so. How are you, btw? What are you up to these days? Take care. ** The Evil Ghost of JW Veldhoen, Yeah, I had talked to Eileen about the possibility of publishing Laurie Weeks' novel through LHotB, but I think it wasn't finished at that point. Hm, maybe I'll send out another feeler now. Nice to hear you sounding sun drenched. Here's hoping that feeling hangs out, man. ** Brendan, Thanks a lot about the blog and the 'Gabe' thing. Much appreciated. Wish I could have watched the Giants win that thang with you. ** Kevin Killian, Hey, Kevin! Wow, you quoted from my dad's book. Ha ha, wow, thank you. That was strangely very moving. Or not strangely at all, I guess. That phrase my dad signed the book with was one of his catch phrases. You almost got it, but it's 'wealth' instead of 'Zelda'. If only it had been Zelda. Thank you a lot, K. If I wasn't hours late today, I'd gab a while. Instead, I'll just send you all my love. ** Andrew, My honor, Andrew. What are you working on now, writing-wise? ** Catachrestic, Hi, Jared. I'm goodish, just lagged to hell, and wondering why Paris looks so foggy. You saw Deerhunter, you lucky dog. And you got to hear 'Subspace Biographies' to boot. You just have to get into the LA morning thing. It has its virtues, especially if you want to get writing done. LA's great for writers. Swear to God. Sorry about the job hassles. Like what? ** Inthemostpeculiarway, Hi. Thanks about the Plexus thing. Weird, no? And, yeah, I definitely thought about your friend's potential boy toy when that woman said that creepy thing. 'Salt' is okay, yeah. Pretty standard issue thriller, but, at least on a plane, it held my attention. Thank you about the reviews! Great! I'll go watch for them. I really want to see 'The Walking Dead'. Everybody's talking about it. Well, not over here, obviously. Okay, I'm going to rush through my day because it's so late and my lagged brain is really giving out now. Anyway, I didn't do anything. Bought food, tried to work, couldn't really, and that's kind of the whole day, I kid you not. So, I'll make up for that one way or another tomorrow. Your Wednesday? ** Changeling, Hey, man! It's excellent to see you! Well, your dank woods of France actually sound kind of really nice. Paris will always be here, but who knows about those woods. What you say about the Plexus thing is really wise. Yeah, I think you've hit on the value and beauty of the whole thing. I was kind of really into the gang of young writers that he or his blog or whatever seemed to help consolidate. I really loved knowing and observing you guys and others being writer buddies. I thought that was beautiful. But that's not gone, I guess, and maybe the real Plexus will emerge to share their writing behind another face. Anyway, it hasn't dimmed my whatever about the blog or guys or anything else. Oh, d.l. = distinguished local. How's your writing going? You good? Great to see you, and a welcome back from a guy who's also back. Or something. ** Memoirs of a Heroinhead, There you are again as you. Or as one of you. Yeah, the Tindersticks thing, right. Excellent. Everyone, courtesy of Memoirs of a Heroinhead, here's 'the Tindersticks song ('4:48 Psychosis') using Sarah Kane's text'. Thanks, mister! ** Paul Curran, Hi, Paul. Glad the little buddy got a real Halloween. Nice. Novel still chugging along, I hope? ** Kiddiepunk, Well, you were blunt indeed, weren't you? God love you. ** Okay, this is so late getting to you that it's scary, and I'm so burnt out, whoa. Please do give at least some if not most of your attention to DE's fine Patrice Chereau post today, and I'm going to go do ... whatever. See you tomorrow.
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