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'''Jacques Prévert''' ({{IPA-fr|ʒak pʁevɛʁ|lang}}; 4 February 1900 – 11 April 1977) was a French poet and screenwriter. His poems became and remain popular in the French-speaking world, particularly in schools. His best-regarded films formed part of the ] movement, and include '']'' (1945).He published his first book in 1946. '''Jacques Prévert''' ({{IPA|fr|ʒak pʁevɛʁ|lang}}; 4 February 1900 – 11 April 1977) was a French poet and screenwriter. His poems became and remain popular in the French-speaking world, particularly in schools. His best-regarded films formed part of the ] movement, and include {{Lang|fr|]}} (1945). He published his first book in 1946.


==Life and education== ==Life and education==
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]]] ]]]
He died of lung cancer in ], on 11 April 1977. He had been working on the last scene of the animated movie '']'' (''The King and the Mockingbird'') with his friend and collaborator ]. When the film was released in 1980, it was dedicated to Prévert's memory, and on opening night, Grimault kept the seat next to him empty. He died of lung cancer in ], on 11 April 1977. He had been working on the last scene of the animated movie '']'' (''The King and the Mockingbird'') with his friend and collaborator ]. When the film was released in 1980, it was dedicated to Prévert's memory, and on opening night, Grimault kept the seat next to him empty. His dog Auto was given to a family friend after his death.


==Poetry== ==Poetry==
When Prévert was attending primary school, he at first hated writing. Later, he participated actively in the Surrealist movement.<ref name=bio/> Together with the writer ] and .He was also a member of the Rue du Château group.<ref></ref> He was also a member of the ] theater company '']'' where he helped craft a left-wing cinema in support of the causes of the ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=O'Shaughnessy |first1=Martin |title=Jean Renoir |date=2000 |publisher=Manchester University Press |page=104}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Blakeway |first1=Claire |title=Jacques Prévert: Popular French Theatre and Cinema |date=1990 |publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press |page=140}}</ref> Prévert remained supportive of left-wing causes throughout his life. In 1971, he wrote a poem in support of the communist ] after her ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kaplan |first1=Alice |title=Dreaming in French: The Paris Years of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Susan Sontag, and Angela Davis |date=2013 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |page=265}}</ref> When Prévert was attending primary school, he at first hated writing. Later, he participated actively in the Surrealist movement.<ref name=bio/> Together with the writers ] and ], he was a member of the Rue du Château group.<ref></ref> He was also a member of the ] theater company '']'' where he helped craft a left-wing cinema in support of the causes of the ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=O'Shaughnessy |first1=Martin |title=Jean Renoir |date=2000 |publisher=Manchester University Press |page=104}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Blakeway |first1=Claire |title=Jacques Prévert: Popular French Theatre and Cinema |date=1990 |publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press |page=140}}</ref> Prévert remained supportive of left-wing causes throughout his life. In 1971, he wrote a poem in support of the communist ] after her ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kaplan |first1=Alice |title=Dreaming in French: The Paris Years of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Susan Sontag, and Angela Davis |date=2013 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |page=265}}</ref>


] Jacques-Prévert in ])]] ] Jacques-Prévert in ])]]


{{French literature sidebar}}
Prévert's poems were collected and published in his books: ''Paroles'' (''Words'') (1946), ''Spectacle'' (1951), ''La Pluie et le beau temps'' (''Rain and Good Weather'') (1955), ''Histoires'' (''Stories'') (1963), ''Fatras'' (1971) and ''Choses et autres'' (''Things and Others'') (1973). His poems are often about life in Paris and life after the ]. They are widely taught in schools in France, and frequently appear in French language textbooks published worldwide. Some, such as "Déjeuner du Matin", are also often taught in American upper-level French classes, for the students to learn basics. Prévert's poems were collected and published in his books: ''Paroles'' (''Words'') (1946), ''Spectacle'' (1951), ''La Pluie et le beau temps'' (''Rain and Good Weather'') (1955), ''Histoires'' (''Stories'') (1963), ''Fatras'' (1971) and ''Choses et autres'' (''Things and Others'') (1973). His poems are often about life in Paris and life after the ]. They are widely taught in schools in France, and frequently appear in French language textbooks published worldwide. Some, such as "Déjeuner du Matin", are also often taught in American upper-level French classes, for the students to learn basics.


Some of Prévert's poems, such as "Les feuilles mortes" ("]"), "La grasse matinée" ("Sleeping in"), "Les bruits de la nuit" ("The sounds of the night") and "Chasse à l'enfant" ("The hunt for the child") were set to music by ]—and in some cases by ] of ], Christiane Verger, ], and ]. They have been sung by prominent French vocalists, including ], ], and ], as well as by the later American singers ] and ]. In 1961, French singer-songwriter ] paid tribute to "Les feuilles mortes" in his own song "La chanson de Prévert".<ref name=cherries> (in French)</ref> "Les feuilles mortes" was also translated into German by the German Poet and ] ], titled "Welke Blätter", and was performed by him and others. Some of Prévert's poems, such as "Les feuilles mortes" ("]"), "L'Addition", "La grasse matinée" ("Sleeping in"), "Les bruits de la nuit" ("The sounds of the night") and "Chasse à l'enfant" ("The hunt for the child") were set to music by ]—and in some cases by ] of ], Christiane Verger, ], and ]. They have been sung by prominent French vocalists, including ], ], and ], as well as by the later American singers ] and ]. In 1961, French singer-songwriter ] paid tribute to "Les feuilles mortes" in his own song "La chanson de Prévert".<ref name=cherries> (in French)</ref> "Les feuilles mortes" was also translated into German by the German poet and ] (singer-songwriter) ], titled "Welke Blätter", and was performed by him and others.


More recently, the British remix DJs ] released their own version in 1993. Another German version has been published and covered by Didier Caesar (alias Dieter Kaiser), which he named "Das welke Laub". "Les feuilles mortes" also bookends ]'s 2009 album, '']''. The British remix DJs ] released their own version in 1993. Another German version has been published and covered by Didier Caesar (alias Dieter Kaiser), which he named "Das welke Laub". "Les feuilles mortes" also bookends ]'s 2009 album '']''.


Prévert's poems are translated into many languages worldwide. Many translators have translated his poems into English. The poet and translator ] has translated some of his poems into ]. Prévert's poems are translated into many languages worldwide. Many translators have translated his poems into English. The poet and translator ] has translated some of his poems into ].


==Film== ==Films==
Prévert wrote a number of screenplays for the film director ]. Among them were the scripts for '']'' (''Bizarre, Bizarre'', 1937), '']'' (''Port of Shadows'', 1938), '']'' (''Daybreak'', 1939), '']'' (''The Night Visitors'', 1942) and '']'' (''Les Enfants du Paradis'', 1945). The last of these regularly gains a high placing in ] and earned him an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.<ref name=bio></ref><ref> ], The modern guide to movies</ref> Prévert wrote a number of screenplays for the film director ]. Among them were the scripts for {{Lang|fr|]}} (''Bizarre, Bizarre'', 1937), '']'' (''Port of Shadows'', 1938), '']'' (''Daybreak'', 1939), '']'' (''The Night Visitors'', 1942) and '']'' ({{Lang|fr|Les Enfants du Paradis}}, 1945). The last of these regularly gains a high placing in ] and earned him an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.<ref name=bio></ref><ref> ], The modern guide to movies</ref>


His poems were the basis for a film by the director and documentarian ], '']'' (''La Seine a rencontré Paris'', 1957), about the ]. The poem was read as narration during the film by singer ].<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414183825/http://www.ivens.nl/film57.htm |date=14 April 2012 }}</ref> In 2007, a filmed adaptation of Prévert's poem, "To Paint the Portrait of a Bird," was directed by Seamus McNally, featuring T.D. White and Antoine Ray- English translation by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. His poems were the basis for a film by the director and documentarian ], '']'' (''La Seine a rencontré Paris'', 1957), about the ]. The poem was read as narration during the film by singer ].<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414183825/http://www.ivens.nl/film57.htm |date=14 April 2012 }}</ref> In 2007, a filmed adaptation of Prévert's poem "To Paint the Portrait of a Bird" was directed by Seamus McNally, featuring T.D. White and Antoine Ray- English translation by Lawrence Ferlinghetti.


Prévert had a long working relationship with ], also a member of ]. Together they wrote the screenplays of a number of animated movies, starting with the short "The Little Soldier" ("Le Petit Soldat", 1947). They worked together until his death in 1977, when he was finishing '']'' (''Le Roi et l'Oiseau''), a second version of which was released in 1980. Prévert adapted several ] tales into animated or mixed live-action/animated movies, often in versions loosely connected to the original. Two of these were with Grimault, including ''The King and the Mocking Bird'', while another was with his brother ] (]). Prévert had a long working relationship with ], also a member of ]. Together they wrote the screenplays of a number of animated movies, starting with the short "The Little Soldier" ("Le Petit Soldat", 1947). They worked together until his death in 1977, when he was finishing '']'' (''Le Roi et l'Oiseau''), a second version of which was released in 1980. Prévert adapted several ] tales into animated or mixed live-action/animated movies, often in versions loosely connected to the original. Two of these were with Grimault, including ''The King and the Mocking Bird'', while another was with his brother ] (]).


==Books== ==Bibliography==
These include compilations of his poetry but also collaborations with Marc Chagall and ] on patriotic and poignant albums of imagery of post-war Paris. These include compilations of his poetry but also collaborations with Marc Chagall and ] on patriotic and poignant albums of imagery of post-war Paris.
* '']'' (1946) * '']'' (1946)
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==Selected filmography== ==Selected filmography==
Prévert wrote the scenarios and sometimes the dialogue in the following films: Prévert wrote the scenarios and sometimes the dialogue in the following films:
* '']'' (1932)
* '']'' (1933) * '']'' (1933)
* '']'' (1935) * '']'' (1934)
* '']'' (1934)
* '']'' (1936)
* '']'' (1936) * '']'' (1936)
* '']'' (1936) * '']'' (1936)
* '']'' (1937) * {{Lang|fr|]}} (1937)
* '']'' (1938) * '']'' (1938)
* '']'' (1938) * '']'' (1938)
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* '']'' (1945) * '']'' (1945)
* ''Le Petit Soldat'' (''The Little Soldier'') (short animated film, 1947), with ], after '']'' by ] * ''Le Petit Soldat'' (''The Little Soldier'') (short animated film, 1947), with ], after '']'' by ]
* '']'' (1947)
* '']'' (1949) * '']'' (1949)
* '']'' ('']'') (animated film, 1953), with Paul Grimault after tale by Hans Christian Andersen, later revised and finished as ''Le Roi et l'oiseau'' * '']'' (''The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep'') (animated film, 1953), with Paul Grimault after tale by Hans Christian Andersen, later revised and finished as ''Le Roi et l'oiseau''
* '']'' (1956) * '']'' (1956)
* '']'' (]), by ], after the tale '']'' by Hans Christian Andersen (live action and animation, 1964) * '']'' (]), by ], after the tale '']'' by Hans Christian Andersen (live action and animation, 1964)
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Latest revision as of 02:47, 21 August 2024

French poet and screenwriter (1900-1977)
Jacques Prévert
Jacques Prévert in 1961Jacques Prévert in 1961
Born(1900-02-04)4 February 1900
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Died11 April 1977(1977-04-11) (aged 77)
Omonville-la-Petite, France
OccupationPoet, screenwriter
GenrePoetry
Literary movementSurrealism, symbolism
Signature

Jacques Prévert (French: [ʒak pʁevɛʁ]; 4 February 1900 – 11 April 1977) was a French poet and screenwriter. His poems became and remain popular in the French-speaking world, particularly in schools. His best-regarded films formed part of the poetic realist movement, and include Les Enfants du Paradis (1945). He published his first book in 1946.

Life and education

Prévert was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine and grew up in Paris. After receiving his Certificat d'études upon completing his primary education, he quit school and went to work in Le Bon Marché, a major department store in Paris. In 1918, he was called up for military service in the First World War. After this, he was sent to the Near East to defend French interests there.

Prévert's grave, next to that of Alexandre Trauner

He died of lung cancer in Omonville-la-Petite, on 11 April 1977. He had been working on the last scene of the animated movie Le Roi et l'Oiseau (The King and the Mockingbird) with his friend and collaborator Paul Grimault. When the film was released in 1980, it was dedicated to Prévert's memory, and on opening night, Grimault kept the seat next to him empty. His dog Auto was given to a family friend after his death.

Poetry

When Prévert was attending primary school, he at first hated writing. Later, he participated actively in the Surrealist movement. Together with the writers Raymond Queneau and Marcel Duhamel, he was a member of the Rue du Château group. He was also a member of the agitprop theater company Groupe Octobre where he helped craft a left-wing cinema in support of the causes of the Popular Front. Prévert remained supportive of left-wing causes throughout his life. In 1971, he wrote a poem in support of the communist Angela Davis after her arrest.

A large number of educational institutions bear the name of Jacques Prévert (Here, the lycée Jacques-Prévert in Boulogne-Billancourt)

Prévert's poems were collected and published in his books: Paroles (Words) (1946), Spectacle (1951), La Pluie et le beau temps (Rain and Good Weather) (1955), Histoires (Stories) (1963), Fatras (1971) and Choses et autres (Things and Others) (1973). His poems are often about life in Paris and life after the Second World War. They are widely taught in schools in France, and frequently appear in French language textbooks published worldwide. Some, such as "Déjeuner du Matin", are also often taught in American upper-level French classes, for the students to learn basics.

Some of Prévert's poems, such as "Les feuilles mortes" ("Autumn Leaves"), "L'Addition", "La grasse matinée" ("Sleeping in"), "Les bruits de la nuit" ("The sounds of the night") and "Chasse à l'enfant" ("The hunt for the child") were set to music by Joseph Kosma—and in some cases by Germaine Tailleferre of Les Six, Christiane Verger, Marjo Tal, and Hanns Eisler. They have been sung by prominent French vocalists, including Marianne Oswald, Yves Montand, and Édith Piaf, as well as by the later American singers Joan Baez and Nat King Cole. In 1961, French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg paid tribute to "Les feuilles mortes" in his own song "La chanson de Prévert". "Les feuilles mortes" was also translated into German by the German poet and Liedermacher (singer-songwriter) Wolf Biermann, titled "Welke Blätter", and was performed by him and others.

The British remix DJs Coldcut released their own version in 1993. Another German version has been published and covered by Didier Caesar (alias Dieter Kaiser), which he named "Das welke Laub". "Les feuilles mortes" also bookends Iggy Pop's 2009 album Préliminaires.

Prévert's poems are translated into many languages worldwide. Many translators have translated his poems into English. The poet and translator Suman Pokhrel has translated some of his poems into Nepali.

Films

Prévert wrote a number of screenplays for the film director Marcel Carné. Among them were the scripts for Drôle de drame (Bizarre, Bizarre, 1937), Quai des brumes (Port of Shadows, 1938), Le Jour se lève (Daybreak, 1939), Les Visiteurs du soir (The Night Visitors, 1942) and Children of Paradise (Les Enfants du Paradis, 1945). The last of these regularly gains a high placing in lists of best films ever and earned him an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay.

His poems were the basis for a film by the director and documentarian Joris Ivens, The Seine Meets Paris (La Seine a rencontré Paris, 1957), about the River Seine. The poem was read as narration during the film by singer Serge Reggiani. In 2007, a filmed adaptation of Prévert's poem "To Paint the Portrait of a Bird" was directed by Seamus McNally, featuring T.D. White and Antoine Ray- English translation by Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

Prévert had a long working relationship with Paul Grimault, also a member of Groupe Octobre. Together they wrote the screenplays of a number of animated movies, starting with the short "The Little Soldier" ("Le Petit Soldat", 1947). They worked together until his death in 1977, when he was finishing The King and the Mocking Bird (Le Roi et l'Oiseau), a second version of which was released in 1980. Prévert adapted several Hans Christian Andersen tales into animated or mixed live-action/animated movies, often in versions loosely connected to the original. Two of these were with Grimault, including The King and the Mocking Bird, while another was with his brother Pierre Prévert (fr).

Bibliography

These include compilations of his poetry but also collaborations with Marc Chagall and Humanist photographers on patriotic and poignant albums of imagery of post-war Paris.

  • Paroles (1946)
  • Le Petit Lion, illustrated by Ylla (1947, reprinted 1984)
  • Contes pour enfants pas sages (Tales for naughty children) (1947)
  • Des Bêtes, illustrated by Ylla (1950, reprinted 1984)
  • Spectacle (1951)
  • Grand bal du printemps, with photographs by Izis Bidermanas (1951)
  • Lettre des îles Baladar (Letter from the Baladar Islands) (1952)
  • Tour de chant (1953)
  • La pluie et le beau temps (Rain and sunshine) (1955)
  • Histoires (Stories) (1963)
  • Les Halles: L'Album du Coeur de Paris, with photographs by Romain Urhausen (Editions des Deux Mondes, 1963)
  • Le Cirque d'Izis, with photographs by Izis Bidermanas and original artwork by Marc Chagall (André Sauret, 1965)
  • JON WAY (1966)
  • Charmes de Londres, with photographs by Izis Bidermanas (Editions de Monza, 1999)

Selected filmography

Prévert wrote the scenarios and sometimes the dialogue in the following films:

See also

References

  1. ^ Encyclopedia of World Biography: Jacques Prévert
  2. Jacques Prévert, PARIS THE BEAUTIFUL – The period of the Rue du Chateau
  3. O'Shaughnessy, Martin (2000). Jean Renoir. Manchester University Press. p. 104.
  4. Blakeway, Claire (1990). Jacques Prévert: Popular French Theatre and Cinema. Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press. p. 140.
  5. Kaplan, Alice (2013). Dreaming in French: The Paris Years of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Susan Sontag, and Angela Davis. University of Chicago Press. p. 265.
  6. The time of the cherry leaves, A site devoted to songs at the end of the Second Empire (in French)
  7. 50 Greatest Foreign Language Films Total Film, The modern guide to movies
  8. La Seine a rencontré Paris Archived 14 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine

External links

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