Jean-Marc Vallee
Jean-Marc Vallée
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jean-Marc Vallée was a French-Canadian film and television director, producer, screenwriter, and editor.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 9, 1957, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Passed away on December 25, 2021, at the age of 64.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Vallée was a dual citizen of France and Canada. He worked primarily as a film and television director, but also ventured into producing and screenwriting.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Montreal, Vallée developed an interest in filmmaking at an early age. His parents, both music lovers, encouraged his creative pursuits. After completing high school, he attended the University of Quebec, where he studied philosophy and literature.
Major Accomplishments
Vallée's breakthrough film was The Traders (1986), a Canadian drama that earned him critical acclaim. However, it was his subsequent works that solidified his reputation as a versatile director:
Dance Me Outside (1994): A comedy-drama that won several awards at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pierre Le Fou (2005): An animated short film that showcased Vallée's storytelling skills.
Big Little Lies (2017-2019): A television series he directed, which earned numerous awards and nominations.Notable Works or Actions
Some of his notable works include:
Dallas Buyers Club (2013): A biographical drama that earned Matthew McConaughey an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Big Little Lies: The critically acclaimed HBO series he directed, which won several awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Directing and Writing.Impact and Legacy
Vallée's contributions to the film industry are undeniable. His unique storytelling style, combined with his ability to adapt to various genres, has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. He was known for his:
Versatility: Vallée effortlessly transitioned between drama, comedy, and animation, showcasing his range as a director.
Emotional depth: His films often explored complex themes, such as addiction (Dallas Buyers Club) and relationships (Big Little Lies).
Talent for casting: He consistently chose actors who delivered memorable performances.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jean-Marc Vallée's legacy is multifaceted. He was a director, producer, screenwriter, and editor who:
Inspired new generations of filmmakers with his creative vision.
Authored stories that tackled tough topics, often shedding light on the human experience.
* Collaborated with talented actors to deliver exceptional performances.
Vallée's work continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, versatility, and impact. His memory lives on through the numerous films and television shows he created, which will continue to inspire audiences for years to come.
Quotes by Jean-Marc Vallee

Directing on a 90-day schedule, whether for a TV series or a feature film, it's crazy; it's a marathon.

'Sharp Objects' was scary, unknown territory for me. I wouldn't pick this kind of material to direct if you just gave me the book. Amy Adams was the force that drove me in.

I'm a writer and director, and I like to do that, but for some reason, it's become part of the industry and part of the job to go, 'Alright, let's talk about it!'

When you move handheld, and the director of photography has the courage to shoot with no lights, the set becomes a space of creativity and freedom where actors can move wherever they want to move.

I think we give too much importance to artists talking about the art and the film and the books and the plays and the music - it's done; the material is there. But we talk about it because it's part of the game. I'm comfortable with it.

Rock was my thing. It influences me and moves me, and it's music that gives me ideas or wings to fly and to make films.

I only made one film with a score, and I hate it. I hate the score of that film. It's not coming from me. I had nothing to do with it.


