Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo are two of the most iconic French in French cinema. Rising to fame in the same era, the French actors carved out distinct niches for themselves, embodying different facets of the French cinematic experience. Delon, with his classic good looks and brooding intensity, became known for his work in crime films (Le Samouraï, le Cercle Rouge, La Piscine) and with esteemed directors, both in France and Italy. Belmondo, on the other hand, was the face of the French New Wave, with his rugged charm and a more carefree, rebellious spirit.

Rise to Fame: Contrasting Career Paths

Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo both emerged as leading men during the same period, yet their paths to stardom were notably different. Delon’s entry into the world of cinema was marked by his undeniable screen presence and striking looks. His breakthrough came with René Clément's Purple Noon (Plein Soleil, 1960), a French adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mr. Ripley with Romy Schneider. Alain Delon's portrayal of the charming yet sociopathic Tom Ripley set the tone for many of his future roles: enigmatic, morally ambiguous characters. His work with director Luchino Visconti further solidified his status as a serious actor. In Rocco and His Brothers (1960) and The Leopard (1963), Delon displayed a range of emotions, from tenderness to ruthless ambition, proving his versatility. Other notable films from that era were L'eclisse by Michelangelo Antonioni, Jacques Deray's La Piscine with Romy Schneider, The Sicilian Clan (le clan sicilien)

Jean-Paul Belmondo, in contrast, made his mark as a leading figure in the French New Wave. His collaboration with Jean-Luc Godard in Breathless (À bout de souffle, 1960) was a defining moment, both for his career and for French cinema. Belmondo's portrayal of the rebellious, small-time criminal Michel Poiccard epitomized the freewheeling, anti-establishment ethos of the New Wave. Unlike Delon, whose characters often exuded a cool, calculated demeanor, Belmondo's screen presence was marked by spontaneity and a rough-around-the-edges charm. He worked frequently with other New Wave directors, including François Truffaut and Claude Chabrol, further cementing his status as the face of this revolutionary movement in cinema.

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Evolution of Careers: From Leading Men to Icons

As their careers progressed, Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo continued to evolve, each carving out a unique space in the cinematic landscape. Delon expanded his repertoire, working not only with French directors but also becoming a major star in Italian cinema. His collaboration with Jean-Pierre Melville in crime films like Le Samouraï (1967) and Le Cercle Rouge (1970) cemented his reputation as a master of the crime thriller genre. These roles allowed Delon to perfect his portrayal of the solitary, stoic anti-hero, a figure caught between the law and his own moral code. Delon's appeal lay in his ability to convey depth and complexity with minimal dialogue, making him a favorite in films that required a subtle yet powerful presence.

Belmondo, meanwhile, transitioned into a new phase of his career, becoming a major box office draw in action and adventure films. In the 1970s and 1980s, he starred in a series of high-energy, big-budget films that capitalized on his physicality and charisma. Movies like Borsalino (1970), co-starring Alain Delon, and The Professional (1981) showcased his ability to handle action sequences with ease while maintaining his trademark wit and charm. Belmondo’s roles during this period often involved him playing likable rogues or daring adventurers, characters that were a far cry from the introspective figures portrayed by Delon.

Despite his focus on action films, Belmondo never abandoned the art-house cinema that made him famous, occasionally returning to more serious roles, which demonstrated his range as an actor. In contrast, Delon, while also taking on commercial projects, continued to seek out challenging, auteur-driven films. He starred in Monsieur Klein (1976), directed by Joseph Losey, a psychological drama that earned him critical acclaim. Later in his career, Delon also ventured into television, starring in popular French TV series like Fabio Montale and Frank Riva, where he brought his trademark intensity to the small screen, expanding his audience even further.

Different Approaches to Acting, Film Choices, and Public Personas

The divergent career paths of Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo were mirrored in their approaches to acting and their public personas. Delon was known for his meticulous preparation and serious approach to his craft. He often portrayed characters who were aloof, enigmatic, and morally complex, reflecting his own guarded public persona. Delon’s roles were carefully chosen, often reflecting his personal interest in exploring the darker sides of human nature. His off-screen image was that of a sophisticated, somewhat enigmatic figure, often shrouded in an air of mystery. Delon's involvement in the business side of film production also set him apart, as he was known for his savvy handling of his own career and his investment in various enterprises, including his own film production company.

Belmondo, on the other hand, brought a more relaxed, spontaneous energy to his performances. His acting style was less about the methodical introspection that characterized Delon's work and more about charisma and physicality. Belmondo’s characters were often likable, everyman figures who navigated life with a mixture of charm and audacity. This approach endeared him to a broad audience, making him one of the most popular actors in France. Off-screen, Belmondo was known for his affability and down-to-earth nature, contrasting with Delon's more reserved and private demeanor. His love for life and adventure mirrored the characters he portrayed, and he was often seen as the quintessential French man of action, both on and off the screen.

Stream now "Alain Delon: La Beauté du Diable et les Femmes" to deep dive into Delon's career and his on or off screen relationships with Brigitte Bardot, Claudia Cardinale, Nathalie Delon and Romy Schneider among others.

Off-Screen Friendship and Its Impact on French Cinema

Despite the apparent differences in their careers and public images, Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo shared a deep mutual respect and friendship. This relationship was a significant force in French cinema, often bringing the two together in projects that capitalized on their combined star power. Their collaboration in Borsalino is a prime example, a film that became a classic largely due to the chemistry between its two leads. Although their on-screen rivalry in the film was palpable, it was underpinned by a genuine camaraderie that extended beyond the set. The film's success was not only a testament to their star appeal but also to their ability to draw audiences into their dynamic, which was as compelling off-screen as it was on.

Their friendship represented a bridging of different worlds within French cinema. Delon, with his ties to the more traditional, classical style of filmmaking, and Belmondo, as a representative of the New Wave and mainstream action cinema, together symbolized the breadth and diversity of French film during their era. Their ability to coexist and collaborate was a boon to the industry, proving that French cinema could accommodate different styles, genres, and star personas. This partnership, marked by mutual admiration rather than competition, helped to elevate French cinema on the world stage, showing that it was not confined to a single style or narrative approach.

Recent Years and Legacy

As both actors aged, their careers inevitably slowed down, but their legacy in French cinema remained unquestioned. Jean-Paul Belmondo continued to make occasional appearances in films and theater, relishing the opportunity to stay connected with his audience. Alain Delon, after a long and illustrious career, became more selective, choosing to step away from the spotlight, yet always maintaining a presence in the industry through various ventures and occasional appearances.

In recent years, the passing of Jean-Paul Belmondo in September 2021 marked the end of an era for French cinema. His death was a profound loss, not only for his fans but also for his friends and colleagues, including Delon. Alain Delon’s tribute to Belmondo was a poignant reminder of the deep bond they shared and the impact they had on each other’s lives and careers.

In august 2024, Alain Delon passed away at age 88, leaving his children, Anthony Delon, Anouchka Delon, Alain-Fabien, and Christian Aaron Boulogne in charge of prolonging his legacy.

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- Where to watch French movies in America -

French cinema lives on TV5MONDE USA! The French language entertainment network airs hundreds of French films every year on top of TV shows on French culture, fashion and art-de-vivre. At no extra cost, you can also enjoy the French streaming platform TV5MONDEplus, with its thousands of French movies. Explore the legacy of Alain Delon with featured content such as "Alain Delon: Face au Monde"  and delve into his enigmatic allure in "Alain Delon: La Beauté du Diable et les Femmes".

Watch Alain Delon on TV5MONDEplus in La Tulipe Noire and stream the cult comedy 1 chance sur 2 with Alain Delon and Jean Paul Belmondo on TV5MONDEplus