From cinema to music, these 7 works by Jane Birkin have left their mark on culture

On July 16, Jane Birkin passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a rich career. The songs, albums and films in our selection are a glimpse into the many talents of a great female figure of the 20th century^And century.

This Sunday, July 16, Jane Birkin was found lifeless in her Parisian home by her carer. She had been weakened by a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) which occurred in September 2021. Jane Birkin had 76 years old.

From music to moviesa look at the seven great works of a memorable career: that of the most British of French artists.

jump by Michelangelo Antonioni (1966)

At just 20, Jane Birkin starred in what would become one of the most important films in the history of cinema: jumpwhich earned director Michelangelo Antonioni the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1967.

The film follows Thomas, a photographer living in London who thinks he unknowingly took the photos of a murder. He’s being chased by a woman who wants to destroy evidence…

From cinema to music, these 7 works by Jane Birkin have left their mark on culture — Jane Birkin in Blow Up

Jane Birkin plays a hypnotic and sensual young model. The actress revealed a behind-the-scenes anecdote about the film’s casting:

“My cousin Tracey, Carol Reed’s daughter, told me that Antonioni was looking for an actress to Jump. Unaware that he was one of the greatest directors in the world, I went to a casting in suburban London. An Italian then asked me to write my name on a blackboard and show myself in profile every three letters to see if I was photogenic. But I was writing too young and I’m dyslexic… “Is that how you think you get roles?” he cried. I think I cried and Antonioni arrived. In all elegance he said ‘Enough ! I saw everything I wanted to see’.

The poolby Jacques Deray (1969)

1969 brand Jane Birkin’s first appearance on French screens. At 22, Jane Birkin plays Penelope together’Alain Delon and Romy Schneider in the thriller by Jacques Deray. From its prestigious cast to its sulphurous dimension, The pool marked a turning point in Jane Birkin’s career, making her a familiar face and appreciated by the French public.

The Pool, Romy Schneider and Jane Birkin // Source: DR — The pool // Source: DR

“69, erotic year” (1969)

Jane Birkin was far from confined to a single artistic field. One year after the events of May 1968, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin had just met and together recorded this sensual and scandalous hymn to love.

The song will bear witness to an era placed under the sign of sexual liberation and female emancipation.

I don’t love you either, by Serge Gainsbourg (1976)

This is not a song but a film, the first that Serge Gainsbourg has made, after several appearances in Italian B series. Jane Birkin sports a boyish haircut and plays the waitress in a bar where she leads a boring life. One day she falls in love with one of these workers, ignoring the warnings of her boss, who tells her that he is homosexual … About this androgynous role proposed by Gainsbourg, Jane Birkin confided “Serge filmed me as I really was: myself. »

The scrapbook Child alone in Babylon

Child alone in Babylon is Jane Birkin’s first album released after her split with Serge Gainsbourg, although she lent her pen to write it. Haunted by the theme of separation and despair, the album was sacred Gold Record in 1984.

Jane B. by Agnes V. – Film by Agnès Varda (1988)

While Jane Birkin has just turned 40, Agnès Varda has dedicated a documentary to her which, like all her films, is a success. jane b is composed of collages, interviews with Jane Birkin, thus presenting her for what she is: an iconcharming and elusive, able to adapt to many characters.

Charlotte’s Jane by Charlotte Gainsbourg (2021)

Jane Birkin is the mother of Lou Doillon and Charlotte Gainsbourg. In 2021, she dedicated a documentary to her mother. She reveals to us the moments of exchanges, closeness and confidences they have experienced. There is no doubt that deepening will be even more in movement From now on.