Jean Vigo Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Jean Vigo was born on April 26, 1905. He was a French film director. He established poetic realism in film in the 1930s. His work went a long way in influencing French New Wave cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. He died on October 5, 1934, at the age of twenty-nine.

Early Life

Jean Vigo was born on April 26, 1905, in Paris in France. He was born to Emily Clero and Miguel Almereyda. His father was a Spanish militant anarchist. Jean spent most of his life as a young child on the run with his parents.

In 1917, his father was imprisoned and then murdered later on. He attended boarding school and enrolled using the name Jean Sales to hide his identity. In 1931, he married, and his wife bore him as the daughter, Luce Vigo who became a film critic.

Career

In 1930, Jean Vigo directed the film ‘A Propos de Nice.’ The following year, he directed the film ‘Jean Taris, Swimming Champion.’ Jean is known for two popular films ‘Zero for Conduct’ and ‘L’Atalante’ which developed the future of both French and worldwide cinema. ‘Zero for Conduct’ was produced in 1933 while ‘L’Atalante’ was produced in 1934.

His films were not financially successful until later on after his death. All the films were acclaimed for their uniqueness and attraction. Jean and his wife suffered from health issues that forced him to sell his camera.

Awards and Legacy

In 2011, Jean Vigo was posthumously awarded the Parajanov- Vartanov Institute Award for his film ‘Zero Conduct’. The Award was presented to his daughter Luce Vigo. In 1951, the Prix Jean Vigo annual award was introduced to award outstanding French film directors. In 1998, the film ‘Vigo: Passion for Life’ was about Jean. The film starred actor James Frain.  

Death

Jean Vigo died on October 5, 1934, at the age of twenty-nine of tuberculosis. He died in Paris, France.