'She speaks to all kinds of generations': Brigitte Bardot dies aged 91 • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Brigitte Bardot: French actress, model, and singer, considered a cultural icon.
• Douglas Kirkland: Photographer known for his iconic images of Bardot, with whom he had a close professional and personal relationship.
• "Fimus": French term used to describe Bardot’s youthful, captivating appearance.
• Cultural Impact: Bardot’s influence on French culture, cinema, and societal norms regarding nudity and representation.
• Bardot Foundation: Organization founded by Bardot dedicated to animal welfare.
• Serge Gainsbourg: French singer-songwriter who collaborated with Bardot.

The Passing of Brigitte Bardot and Her Enduring Legacy

The interview focuses on the reaction to the passing of Brigitte Bardot and explores her significant impact on French culture and the film industry. Gad Edery, founder of the Gad Collection Gallery in Paris, which hosted an exhibition dedicated to Bardot’s work with Douglas Kirkland, provides insights into her career and enduring appeal.

National Mourning and Bardot’s Place in French Identity

Edery expresses the widespread devastation felt in France upon hearing of Bardot’s death, stating, “I mean I was like any French people I was devastated… she’s part of our history and she’s part of us.” He emphasizes her pervasive presence in French society over the past 50-60 years, appealing to multiple generations, from contemporaries to teenagers. Bardot is described as being universally recognized in France, “everybody knows Bin,” and considered an integral part of the French cultural landscape. A soundbite from an American tourist reinforces this, stating Bardot “represents France” to them.

Bardot as a Photographic Icon: The Kirkland Collaboration

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Bardot’s career as a model and her collaboration with photographer Douglas Kirkland. Edery details an exhibition he hosted showcasing Kirkland’s work with Bardot, held shortly after Kirkland’s death. Their relationship began on the set of Louis Malle’s Viva Maria in 1965, alongside Jean Moreau. The exhibition, titled “Doug, My Darling,” was inspired by a letter Bardot wrote to Kirkland expressing her affection and appreciation for his photography. Edery stresses the iconic nature of Kirkland’s images of Bardot, stating, “all of those images are you know icons.”

The “Bardot Effect”: Captivating Appeal and Untouchable Quality

The interview explores the elusive quality that made Bardot so captivating. Edery acknowledges the difficulty in defining it, stating, “That’s a very tricky question… some people have it and some people don’t.” He uses the French term “fimus” to describe her youthful appearance, suggesting it contributed to her broad appeal. He notes that at one point, she was even more famous than Marilyn Monroe. He emphasizes a certain “something special” about her, an “untouchable” quality that is felt rather than explained, even by those who have met her.

Bardot’s Multifaceted Career and Cultural Contributions

Beyond her acting and modeling, Bardot’s diverse career is highlighted. She was a successful singer, collaborating with renowned French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. She also founded a foundation dedicated to animal welfare, demonstrating her commitment to activism. Edery draws a parallel between Bardot’s cultural significance in France and the role of the Queen in the UK, stating, “in the UK people relate to the queen we relate to to BB.”

Revolutionizing Cinema and Challenging Societal Norms

The interview addresses Bardot’s revolutionary impact on the film industry, particularly regarding the depiction of nudity. Edery explains that she was the first to openly display parts of the body on screen, shifting societal norms and ushering in a “new world.” He describes her approach as “nudity in its in its best aspect. Very simple,” emphasizing that she presented it “without being… aggressive or disrespectful.” This shift is described as occurring “once once in a in a century.”

Global Recognition and Intergenerational Appeal

Edery emphasizes Bardot’s international recognition, noting requests for Douglas Kirkland’s work come from all over the world – the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, the US, Brazil, and Argentina. He recounts an experience during the exhibition where a group of teenagers, typically interested in anime and manga, were all familiar with Bardot, demonstrating her enduring appeal across generations.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Brigitte Bardot’s passing marks the loss of a true cultural icon. The interview underscores her profound impact on French identity, the film industry, and societal norms. Her captivating presence, immortalized in the iconic photographs of Douglas Kirkland, continues to resonate globally, transcending age and cultural boundaries. Bardot’s legacy extends beyond her artistic achievements to encompass her activism and her enduring status as a symbol of French culture and liberation.