It was with “Z” de Costa-Gavras, in 1969, that Jacques Perrin became a producer.
Three years after having played a small role in "Killer compartments", Perrin helped the director to complete this feature film which will accumulate 4 million admissions and will win the Oscar for best foreign language film.
The Franco-Greek filmmaker and president of the Cinémathèque remembers his friend, his faith in cinema and his kindness.
It was with you that Jacques Perrin produced his first three films: "Z", "State of Siege" and "Special Section", between 1969 and 1974...
COSTA-GAVRAS.
For "Z", I had difficulty finding the money and the location.
He told me
Do you know Algeria?
He had produced a short film there, so we went there together and made the film there.
It was his first time producing a feature film.
Then he became a big producer.
He had a very personal way of selecting his films.
Just look at his filmography, which is so original.
How did he engage in films?
He believed in cinema.
He spent everything he had on films, helped so many people to set up projects… He said
How much do you want?
and did not even ask to make contracts.
He had an incredible openness.
His films on animals, no one had undertaken before, it was not in the habits of French producers.
Besides that, he had this absolutely extraordinary kindness.
He was a very dear friend.
Jacques Perrin also acted in four of your films.
How was he as an actor?
Formidable, absolutely at the disposal of the director.
He was deepening his roles.
He loved to play, to create each of his characters, with his eternal youth, his way of seeing the world, his very soft voice.
We had an exceptional collaboration.
Have you spoken to him recently?
I had it a few months ago.
He told me about a big project he had for China.
It was not a documentary, but something completely original and secret.
He was ready to leave.
I told him Do
you have the money?
He had answered
We will find!