Brigitte Bardot, one of the most polarizing figures in French cinema, passed away on December 28 at the age of 91. Known for her tumultuous personal views and controversial statements, Bardot leaves behind a rich filmography that chronicles her significant impact on the film industry from the late 1950s until her departure from acting in the early 1970s. After stepping away from the spotlight, she dedicated her life to animal rights activism.
Bardot attracted attention not only for her striking performances but also for her challenging of societal norms of her time. Her most iconic roles helped cement her status as a symbol of liberation during an era steeped in traditional values.
Her breakthrough came in 1956 with “Et Dieu… créa la femme,” directed by her then-husband Roger Vadim. In this film, she played Juliette, a free-spirited woman captivatingly portrayed through a scene of uninhibited dance, defying conventions of femininity and sexuality at that time. While the film initially flopped in France, it found success in Europe and the United States, establishing Bardot as an international sex symbol.
In “Babette s’en va-t-en guerre” (1959), just fifteen years after World War II, Bardot took on a comedic role as a woman who joins the Free French forces during the Occupation. This film showcased both her charm and acting prowess, alongside her then-husband Jacques Charrier.
Another notable performance was in “La Vérité” (1960), a courtroom drama where Bardot portrays Dominique Marceau, a woman on trial for the murder of her lover. This role further solidified her reputation as a complex and alluring figure, known for her seductive and precarious femininity.
In 1963, she starred in “Le Mépris,” directed by Jean-Luc Godard, who had long sought to work with her. The film became one of the defining movies of Bardot’s career, exploring the disintegration of a relationship and is remembered for its remarkable cinematography and score.
Bardot’s final significant collaboration, “Viva Maria!” (1965), alongside Jeanne Moreau, featured the actresses as performers swept into a revolution in early 20th-century Central America. The film is noteworthy not just for its narrative but for the dynamic on-screen chemistry between Bardot and Moreau.
Despite a turbulent legacy, Bardot’s contributions to cinema and her role as a cultural icon of the 1960s remain significant. Her films still resonate today, reflecting a time of change regarding women’s roles in society. In her later years, Bardot committed herself to animal welfare, demonstrating her continued passion for causes she believed in, though her controversial statements have often overshadowed her cinematic legacy. With her passing, the film world remembers both the audacious woman who crafted her narrative and the enduring impact of her work.