The 1970s were a transformative period for French cinema, marked by social upheaval, political activism, and cultural experimentation. Emerging from the aftermath of May '68 and the sexual liberation movement, French society grappled with issues of identity, freedom, and individual expression. In this tumultuous landscape, cinema emerged as a powerful medium for reflection, exploration, and escape. While the New Wave movement of the 1960s had revolutionized French filmmaking with its experimental aesthetics and introspective narratives, the 1970s saw a shift towards more commercially viable and socially relevant cinema. Popular comedies became a dominant genre, offering audiences a form of light-hearted entertainment amidst the prevailing social unrest and economic uncertainty. Against this backdrop, a cadre of talented actresses rose to prominence, capturing the spirit of the era with their captivating performances and indelible presence on screen. From Catherine Deneuve to Romy Schneider, Brigitte Bardot to Isabelle Huppert, these actresses embodied the essence of the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on French cinema.

- Watch the best of French Cinema on TV5MONDE -

TV5MONDE USA is the home of French cinema in America. First, you get TV5MONDE USA, a French 24-hour network which airs programs around French culture and French art-de-vivre and over 150 French movies throughout the year. But if you're more into streaming than traditional TV, you can just stream from the thousands of French films and TV shows on TV5MONDEplus. Among them, some of the best movies from the 70s, among them La maman et la putain (Jean Eutache), L'Ibis Rouge (Jean-Pierre Mocky), I comme Icare (Henri Verneuil), Les innocents aux mains sales (Claude Chabrol).

Learn more about TV5MONDE

Catherine Deneuve: The Epitome of Elegance and Sophistication

Catherine Deneuve, with her ethereal beauty and enigmatic allure, epitomized the elegance and sophistication of French cinema in the 1970s. Known for her impeccable style and nuanced performances, Deneuve became an icon of the silver screen, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing presence and undeniable talent. In films like "Donkey Skin" (Peau d'âne, 1967) by Jacques Demy), "Tristana" (1970), directed by Luis Buñuel, Deneuve pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling, portraying complex female characters grappling with desire, identity, and societal expectations.

Stream now La partie d'échecs with Catherine Deneuve on TV5MONDEplus

Romy Schneider: A Star Crosses Decades with Grace

Romy Schneider, the epitome of elegance and grace, seamlessly transitioned from the golden age of French cinema in the 1960s to the tumultuous landscape of the 1970s. With her luminous beauty and understated charm, Schneider captivated audiences with her poignant performances and emotional depth. In films like "César and Rosalie" (1972) and "The Train" (1973), directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre, Schneider showcased her versatility as an actress. But her best film from that era is certainly Claude Chabrol's Les innocents aux mains sales (Claude Chabrol), available now to stream on TV5MONDEplus.

Brigitte Bardot: The Eternal Sex Symbol

Brigitte Bardot, the quintessential sex symbol of the 1960s, continued to cast a long shadow over French cinema in the 1970s, despite officially retiring from acting in 1973. With her sultry beauty and uninhibited sensuality, Bardot captivated audiences with her magnetic presence and unforgettable performances in films like L'Ours et la poupée" (1970) and "Les Petroleuses" (1973). Although many of Bardot's most iconic films were produced in the 1950s and 1960s, including "And God Created Woman" (1956) and "Contempt" (1963), her legacy endured well into the 1970s. Several of her films from the previous decade, such as "Viva Maria!" (1965) and "Spirits of the Dead" (1968), continued to enjoy success on television and in revival screenings, further solidifying Bardot's status as a cinematic icon. Despite her withdrawal from the limelight, Bardot remained an enduring symbol of French cinema's golden age, embodying the spirit of sexual liberation and feminine empowerment that defined the era.

Stream now on TV5MONDEplus Come Dance with me (Voulez-vous danser avec moi), En Effeuillant la Marguerite, and Mademoiselle Striptease (Une Parisienne).

Miou-Miou: The Essence of 1970s Rebellion

Miou-Miou, with her rebellious spirit and irreverent charm, epitomized the essence of French cinema in the 1970s. Emerging as a symbol of youthful rebellion and social activism, Miou-Miou captivated audiences with her raw energy and authentic performances. In films like "Going Places" (1974) and later "Entre Nous" (1983), directed by Bertrand Blier, Miou-Miou embraced unconventional roles and challenged societal norms, earning her critical acclaim and widespread recognition.

Stream now on TV5MONDE Murder Party with Miou-Miou

Isabelle Huppert: The Queen of French Arthouse Cinema

Isabelle Huppert emerged as the reigning queen of French arthouse cinema in the 1970s, captivating audiences with her fearless performances and uncompromising commitment to her craft. With her steely gaze and enigmatic presence, Huppert embodied the essence of the 1970s rebellion. In films like "La Dentellière" (1977) and "Violette Nozière" (1978), directed by Claude Chabrol, Huppert delved deep into the psyche of complex female characters, exploring themes of desire, alienation, and existential angst. Her collaboration with director Jean-Luc Godard in "Every Man for Himself" (1979) further solidified her status as one of France's most revered actresses, earning her critical acclaim and international recognition.

Stream now Retour à la bien-aimée with Isabelle Huppert on TV5MONDEplus

Annie Girardot: The Heart and Soul of French Cinema

Annie Girardot, with her raw emotion and unbridled passion, captured the heart and soul of French cinema in the 1970s. Known for her powerful performances and emotional depth, Girardot became a symbol of authenticity and vulnerability on screen. Her collaboration with director Claude Lelouch in "Live for Life" (1967) further solidified her status as one of France's most revered actresses, earning her the prestigious César Award for Best Actress.

Marlène Jobert: The Quintessential French Beauty

Known for her ethereal charm and understated elegance, Jobert became a symbol of grace and sophistication on screen. In films like Ten Days' Wonder (La Décade prodigieuse, 1972), with Orson Welles and  Anthony Perkins and We Won't Grow Old Together (Nous Ne Vieillirons Pas Ensemble, 1973) directed by Maurice Pialat, Jobert showcased her versatility as an actress, effortlessly embodying a range of characters from vulnerable ingénues to strong-willed heroines.

Jeanne Moreau: The International Icon

In films like Elia Kazan's "The Last Tycoon" (1976), and "Les Valseuses" (1974), Moreau showcased that she was no longer the enigmatic seductresses of the 60s but a complex, multifaceted characters. With each film, Moreau reaffirmed her status as a French cinematic legend.

Stream now Mille millards de dollars with Jeanne Moreau on TV5MONDEplus

Carole Bouquet: The New French Chic

Bouquet's career only started in the late 70s but she made some of her best movies in her debut, from "That Obscure Object of Desire" (1977) and "Buffet Froid" (1979), directed by Luis Buñuel and Bertrand Blier, respectively.

Watch now Travaux, on sait quand ça commence with Carole Bouquet on TV5MONDEplus 

Josiane Balasko: The Queen of French Comedy

Josiane Balasko emerged as the queen of French comedy in the 1970s, captivating audiences with her irreverent humor and impeccable timing. Known for her distinctive wit and larger-than-life personality, Balasko became a symbol of laughter and levity on screen. In films like "French Fried Vacation" (Les Bronzés, 1978) and French Fried Vacation 2 (Les Bronzés font du ski, 1979) directed by Patrice Leconte, Balasko brought joy and delight to audiences with her hilarious antics and memorable performances.

Stream now L'ex-femme de ma vie with Josiane Balasko on TV5MONDEplus

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read:

10 best movies with Brigitte Bardot

How a young Brigitte Bardot rose to fame

Brigitte Bardot and Alain Delon: A Relationship On And Off-Screen

Brigitte Bardot-Roger Vadim: An On-And-Off Screen Relationship

Why Brigitte Bardot stopped acting to become an animal-rights activist

Exploring Brigitte Bardot's controversial 1956 film "And God Created Woman"

Contempt: Godard's Iconic Film with Bardot

Brigitte Bardot and Serge Gainsbourg; the 60s iconic duo

Juliette Binoche and the Cannes Film Festival: A Love Story

Learn French with 10 useful French idioms for the Cannes Film Festival 2024

Learn French with a useful Guide to Cannes Film Schedule for 2024 (Part 1)

Learn French with 10 Famous French Actors' Quotes to Use at the Festival de Cannes 2024

Cannes Film Festival 2024: Learn French with a Useful Guide, Schedule and Dates (Part II)