Jean Cocteau(1889-1963)
- Writer
- Actor
- Director
Jean Cocteau was one of the most multi-talented artists of the 20th
century. In addition to being a director, he was a poet, novelist,
painter, playwright, set designer, and actor. He began writing at 10
and was a published poet by age 16. He collaborated with the Russian
Ballet company of Sergei Diaghilev, and was active in many art movements, but
always remained a poet at heart. His films reflect this fact. Cocteau
was also a homosexual, and made no attempt to hide it. His favorite
actor was his close friend Jean Marais, who appeared in almost every one of
his films. Cocteau made about twelve films in his career, all rich with
symbolism and surreal imagery. He is now regarded as one of the most
important avant-garde directors in cinema.
