A major figure in American film from the 1960s to the 1990s, Canadian director Norman Jewison constructed a remarkably eclectic œuvre, delving in genres of romantic comedy, musicals, crime thrillers, courtroom dramas, science fiction or social drama – with equal mastery. Starting his career in television, he retained a sharp sense of timing and narrative efficiency, using his elegant directing style to cultivate his characters and depict the great issues of his era. Racism, segregation, justice, power, religion, social struggles, tradition – he approached these themes with a profound curiosity about human nature, never sacrificing entertainment along the way. From In the Heat of the Night (1967) to Rollerball (1975), from The Cincinnati Kid (1965) to Moonstruck (1987), his films combined emotion, rigor, and a formidable sense of amusement. Working with the greatest actors of his time – from Steve McQueen to Faye Dunaway or Jane Fonda, from Sidney Poitier and Al Pacino to Cher – he directed many classics, including The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) – works that constitute the essential movie viewing list, and that all together won twelve Academy Awards. His body of work was accessible to all, and with a deeply humanist perspective, his intelligence of purpose never took precedence over the enjoyment of the ride.
We would like to thank Park Circus, and particularly the American studios (Universal Pictures US, Sony Pictures, MGM) for the new material created especially for the festival
Convinced he is dying, a hypochondriac thinks of his impending doom and begins to look for a new husband for his wife... A lighthearted comedy, featuring the star trio of Rock Hudson, Doris Day and Tony Randall.
In the New Orleans of the 1930s, an ambitious young poker player challenges an aging champion reputed to be unbeatable... A high-stakes duel and suspenseful classic starring Steve McQueen, Karl Malden and Edward G. Robinson.
In a little town in Mississippi, a black inspector is wrongly arrested and eventually put in charge of a murder investigation… A pulse-raising thriller, and a powerful plea against racism, starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. The film won five major Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
To get rid of his boredom, an affluent businessman (Steve McQueen) orchestrates the perfect hold-up before crossing paths with a brilliant investigator (Faye Dunaway)… An elegant cat-and-mouse game of suspense and seduction, Jewison's most famous film.
In a Jewish village in Ukraine, a father notices that the traditions that have always guided his life begin to fade... Adapted from Joseph Stein's play, the 1960s piece was a gigantic Broadway hit, a musical with a combination of humor, drama and emotion – winning a trio of Academy Awards.
A troupe of artists revisits the last seven days of the life of Christ... The hippie adaptation of the legendary rock opera features a wild soundtrack with psychedelic aesthetics. A true throwback to another era!
It is the future, the year 2018. The notion of countries has disappeared and powerful consortiums decide everything for everyone. But the champion of an ultra-violent sport (James Caan) poses a threat to the established order... An intriguing dystopia on power plays and the cult of spectacle.
In Cleveland, Ohio in 1937, a dockworker gets fired and becomes a member of the truckers' union before cutting a deal with the mafia... A sprawling social saga inspired by union boss Jimmy Hoffa, offering Sylvester Stallone perfect role that makes use of his talents. Rod Steiger also stars.
A young idealistic lawyer finds himself obliged to defend the judge who has invariably opposed him... A great courtroom drama that fuses suspense with a satirical critique on the justice system, starring Al Pacino at the top of his game.
In this adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, in 1944, a black sergeant at a military base in Louisiana is assassinated. An officer leads the investigation... The brilliant screenplay artfully blends crime drama with reflections on the traumatic scars of segregation.
Psychiatrist Martha Livingston goes to the convent of Mother Miriam to meet Sister Agnes, who is accused of killing her newborn… A fascinating face-to-face between reason and religious faith, with expert performances by Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly.
Loretta, a widow, reacts with tepid excitement when her current flame asks for her hand in marriage. After accepting, she meets his disarmingly attractive brother. …A winsome romantic comedy of manners featuring the torrid couple of Cher and Nicolas Cage. It won three Oscars, including Best Actress.
