Who was Michel Ciment? French Film Critic Dead at 85

Renowned French film critic and longstanding Positif magazine editor, Michel Ciment, passed away at the age of 85 in Paris on Monday. The news prompted tributes from the Cannes and Venice film festivals, where Ciment had been a consistent presence for over five decades.

Ciment’s significant contributions extended beyond his editorial role at Positif. He authored acclaimed books on eminent directors such as “Kazan by Kazan” (1973), “Conversations With Losey” (1979), “Stanley Kubrick” (1980), and “Boorman: A Visionary in His Time.” His influence also reached the airwaves, as he produced and hosted the popular French radio program “Projection privée” on France Culture. Additionally, Ciment served as a film critic for over 50 years on the radio show “Le Masque et la Plume” on France Inter, along with being a lecturer at the University of Paris-VII.

Cannes acknowledged Ciment’s profound impact, describing him as a “free spirit with an insatiable curiosity” who dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge and passion for cinema. His articulate and resolute opinions at Cannes were highlighted as both enlightened and influential, leaving an indelible mark on the festival’s atmosphere. The statement from Cannes mourned the loss, stating, “The Festival de Cannes without Michel Ciment will never be quite the same. We will miss him. And so will cinema.”