Anne Wiazemsky

Anne Wiazemsky was a French actress, writer, and model who was born on April 21, 1947 in Paris, France. She starred in several films during the French New Wave period, was an important figure in the intellectual circles of the time and was best known for her roles in films by her then-husband, legendary director Jean-Luc Godard.

Wiazemsky would often come up with the ideas for the films that Godard would then make, including the concept for ‘Les Carabiniers’, which featured her in a leading role opposite Michel Piccoli. She also wrote the novel ‘Un An Apres’ which was inspired by her experiences working with Godard and this led to her career as a writer.

Wiazemsky had a talent for writing that was innate, and her ability to express her emotions, her own experience, and her thoughts through her written works was strong. She had a particular interest in psychological questions, the conflict between individuals and society, existential issues, and the relationship between man and God. In her works, she often tackled difficult topics, and she often questioned the idea of everyday life being taken as the only way of life. Wiazemsky was a unique storyteller and had an ability to see into people’s souls and to create authentic characters, making her novels deeply personal.

One of her most acclaimed works is her novel ‘Auerbach’s Garden’, a semi-autobiographical story about a young woman in search of personal freedom from the traditional and restrictive constructs of society. This book became one of the best-known and appreciated works of French Literature. Other notable works include ‘De l’autre cote de l’Herbe’, ‘Le Petit Houx’, and ‘Un An Apres’.

Although she was mostly known for her writing, Wiazemsky had a successful career as an actress. She made her film debut in ‘Faustrecht der Freiheit’ in 1965 and then went on to star in three of Godard’s films throughout the 60s and 70s. Other films she starred in include ‘Woyzeck’, ‘Le Souffle Par Le Trou’, ‘Gigi’ and ‘The Gang of Four'.

Throughout her career, Wiazemsky became a renowned figure of beauty and grace, a symbol of Parisian intellectual life and an inspiration to young people in France. Her legacy would live on in the generation of actors that followed her and she would remain an important figure in the cultural history of France.

Despite the tremendous success and acclamation that followed Anne Wiazemsky throughout her writing and acting career, she was not without her detractors. She was often criticized for her works due to their provocations and experimental narrative style, as well as for her blunt criticism of contemporary French society. However, her brilliance and her courageous approach to the topics she dealt with would endure and remain studied and celebrated.

Wiazemsky tragically passed away on October 5, 2017 due to an illness. She will continue to be remembered for her influence on French New Wave cinema, her writing and her contribution to the French literary culture.