Jean-Loup Hubert, a celebrated director, gained fame with his 1987 film “Grand chemin,” which won multiple César Awards. However, his career faced challenges, with only nine films released between 1981 and 2004. The disappointing reception of “Marthe” in 1997 significantly impacted his career, leading to a seven-year hiatus. His attempted return with “3 petites filles” in 2004 also fell short, leaving him frustrated and longing to direct again after two decades.
Jean-Loup Hubert’s Cinematic Journey
Renowned director Jean-Loup Hubert made waves in the film industry with his acclaimed third feature, “Grand chemin,” released in 1987. This poignant drama captured the hearts of audiences, attracting over 3.1 million viewers and earning critical acclaim. The film’s success led to Anémone and Richard Bohringer winning the César Awards for Best Actress and Best Actor in 1988, solidifying Hubert’s reputation as a talented filmmaker.
The Challenges of a Prolific Career
Despite his remarkable achievements, Jean-Loup Hubert’s career has been marked by significant obstacles. With only nine films to his name between 1981 and 2004, his creative output has been relatively rare. His last film, “3 petites filles,” featuring actors Gérard Jugnot and Adriana Karambeu, was released in 2004 but did not achieve the success he hoped for.
In a candid interview with “Les Années Laser,” Hubert reflected on his career, particularly the hardships he faced after the disappointing reception of “Marthe” in 1997. This World War I drama, featuring Guillaume Depardieu and Clotilde Courau, attracted a mere 137,000 viewers, which served as a harsh wake-up call for the filmmaker.
Hubert recounted a painful moment during the film’s promotional efforts, where Guillaume, struggling with addiction, appeared on live television in a state of disarray. “It was heartbreaking,” Hubert shared, lamenting how this incident not only impacted “Marthe” but also his career trajectory. The backlash left him without directing opportunities for seven long years.
After this challenging period, Hubert attempted a comeback with “3 petites filles,” a comedy inspired by his daughter. However, fate had other plans; his daughter and her friends ultimately declined to participate, leaving him without a cast despite securing funding and a script. The film, released in September 2004, garnered only 104,000 viewers and marked another setback in his illustrious yet tumultuous career.
Today, Hubert reflects on two decades of being away from the director’s chair. He expressed deep regret over the situation, stating, “I have seven scripts ready to be filmed, yet it has been twenty years since I last directed. It is an incredibly painful reality for me, and I deeply miss making films.”