Alain Resnais and Lambert Wilson enjoyed a close professional collaboration over a period of two decades, working together on four films that highlighted their artistic synergy. Resnais was known for favoring a consistent group of actors, which included his wife Sabine Azéma, Pierre Arditi, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Agnès Jaoui and Lambert Wilson. The enduring partnership between Resnais and Wilson produced some of the most iconic films in French cinema.

Where to watch Lambert Wilson’s movies?

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Same Old Song (On connaît la chanson)

The first film they collaborated on was "Same Old Song" (On connaît la chanson, 1997), Resnais and Wilson explored the genre of musical comedy, adapting Denis Potter's "The Singing Detective" to present-day Paris. The film follows Simon (Lambert Wilson), a businessman who is smitten with his colleague Camille (Agnès Jaoui). The use of lip-syncing to famous French songs gave the movie a fresh and unique twist on the genre. The film showcased Wilson's range as an actor, transitioning effortlessly between moments of humor and tenderness. The movie was an audience and critic hit. Over 2.5 millions of French spectators went to see the movie in theaters. Meanwhile the movie won the César award for best film, as well as best script, sound and montage, among other awards in France and abroad.

Why you should watch Lambert Wilson’s movies if you like French cinema

Not on the Lips (Pas sur la bouche)

"Not on the Lips" (Pas sur la bouche, 2003 ) is a witty and lighthearted musical comedy set in 1920s Paris that features Gilberte Valandray (Sabine Azéma), a successful businesswoman who is in danger of losing everything she has worked for. Lambert Wilson plays Éric Thomson, a suave gentleman who is in love with Gilberte. The film boasts catchy songs and glamorous visuals that hearken back to the golden age of musicals.

Hearts (Cœurs)

"Hearts" (Cœurs, 2006), The movie, also known as "Private Fears in Public Places," is a romantic drama, adapted from a play by Alan Ayckbourn. The movie depicts the loneliness and fragmentation that characterizes modern urban life, with six interconnected characters struggling to connect emotionally with one another. Lambert Wilson portrays Thierry, a real estate agent who falls in love with Charlotte, played by Sabine Azéma. The film's ability to explore its characters' innermost emotions with subtlety and sensitivity made it one of Resnais' most emotionally resonant works.

You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet (Vous n'avez encore rien vu)

"You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" (Vous n'avez encore rien vu, 2012), is based on the plays "Eurydice" and "Cher Antoine ou l'Amour raté" by Jean Anouilh. The film explores the relationship between theatre and film and centers around a group of actors who reunite to pay their respects to a deceased playwright. However, they soon discover that they are participating in a posthumous play he had written for them. Lambert Wilson plays Antoine d'Anthac, a theatre director who brings the actors together. The film's innovative and daring approach to storytelling earned it critical acclaim.

Lambert Wilson, from French indies to The Matrix

Despite being mostly known in America for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as "The Matrix Reloaded," "The Matrix Revolutions," and "Catwoman" (Read more: Lambert Wilson: How His Role In The Matrix Changed His Career), Lambert Wilson's work with Resnais demonstrated his versatility as an actor. Working on these award-winning dramas highlighted Wilson's nuanced performances, and demonstrated his ability to transition from one genre to another. These collaborations helped him further cement his reputation as a gifted and accomplished actor who could master varying cinematic styles and themes.

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