Learn How to Pronounce Jean-Paul Belmondo | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Jean-Paul Belmondo
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Meaning and Context
Jean-Paul Belmondo, born on April 9, 1933, and passing away on September 6, 2021, was a titan of French cinema whose career spanned over six decades. Rising to international fame with his breakthrough role as the charmingly amoral Michel Poiccard in Jean-Luc Godard's seminal 1960 film À bout de souffle (Breathless), Belmondo became the quintessential anti-hero of the French New Wave. His collaboration with iconic directors like Godard, François Truffaut, and Jean-Pierre Melville cemented his status as a symbol of cinematic cool, blending a rugged, everyman appearance with a palpable, athletic charisma. Beyond the arthouse, he achieved massive popular success as a daring action star in numerous commercial French thrillers and comedies, often performing his own stunts. His legacy is a unique bridge between avant-garde filmmaking and mainstream entertainment, securing his place as a beloved and enduring icon of French cinema, a pillar of the French New Wave, and an actor whose influence on European film and global cinephile culture remains profound.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The name "Jean-Paul Belmondo" is generally spelled consistently, given its status as a proper noun. However, common errors arise from phonetic misspellings and the omission of hyphens. Frequent typos include "Jean Paul Belmondo" (missing the hyphen), "Jean-Paul Belmond" (dropping the final 'o'), and "Belmando" (substituting 'n' with 'm'). In non-French contexts, the first name is sometimes anglicized to "John-Paul," which is incorrect. Additionally, his iconic film À bout de souffle is often referenced by its English title, Breathless, but misspelling the French original is common (e.g., "A Bout de Souffle" without the grave accent on the 'A'). When writing, it is crucial to maintain the correct diacritics and hyphenation to ensure accuracy in referencing this key figure in film history.
Example Sentences
Film scholars often cite Jean-Paul Belmondo's performance in Breathless as a defining moment that captured the rebellious spirit of post-war youth.
With his trademark grin and insouciant charm, Belmondo brought a unique physicality to his roles, whether in a cerebral New Wave drama or a high-octane action film.
His later work in popular comedies like L'As des as (Ace of Aces) demonstrated his remarkable range and enduring box-office appeal.
For many, the image of Belmondo lighting a cigarette on the Champs-Élysées remains an indelible symbol of French cool.
His legacy was formally recognized when he received an Honorary César Award in 2017, a testament to his monumental impact on the industry.
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