Learn How to Pronounce Jean Marais | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Jean Marais

Quick Answer: In French, the name Jean Marais is pronounced [ʒɑ̃ ma.ʁɛ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Jean Marais (1913–1998) was a preeminent and charismatic French actor, director, and sculptor whose legacy is inextricably linked to the visionary filmmaker and poet Jean Cocteau. Their profound artistic partnership, which began in the 1930s, yielded some of the most iconic works in French cinema, most notably the visually stunning and psychologically rich 1946 masterpiece, La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), where Marais's dual role as the Beast and Avenant showcased his remarkable physicality and emotional depth. A leading man of immense popularity in post-war France, Marais starred in a wide array of genres, from Cocteau's surrealist Orphée (1950) to swashbuckling adventure films like Le Bossu (1959), cementing his status as a versatile star. His striking classical looks, combined with a bold theatrical flair honed on the stages of the Comédie-Française, allowed him to embody mythic heroes and romantic leads with equal conviction. The enduring legacy of Jean Marais in 20th-century French cinema is a testament to his unique synthesis of poetic artistry, mainstream appeal, and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Jean Marais" is typically spelled consistently in French, but non-French speakers and automated systems sometimes introduce errors. The most common mistake is misspelling his surname as "Marrais" with a double 'r', likely due to the phonetic pronunciation. Another occasional error is the anglicized spelling "John Marais," incorrectly translating his first name. Confusion can also arise with the similar-sounding name of the French actor Jean Marais is distinct from the Belgian cartoonist Jean-Marc Marais, and care should be taken not to conflate the two. When searching, it is crucial to use the correct diacritical mark in film titles like "La Belle et la Bête" to ensure accurate results.

Example Sentences

Film scholars often cite Jean Marais's transformative performance in Beauty and the Beast as a pinnacle of poetic realism in cinema.

Beyond his iconic work with Cocteau, Jean Marais enjoyed a prolific career, starring in popular historical dramas like The Count of Monte Cristo.

His theatrical training was evident in the grand, expressive gestures that defined his on-screen presence.

For a comprehensive understanding of French post-war film, one must study the collaborative works of Jean Cocteau and his muse, Jean Marais.

Even in later years, Marais remained a respected figure in the arts, taking on character roles that showcased his enduring talent.

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