European Celebrities to Love: Jean DuJardin

So when you move to a new country, you spend a lot of time feeling alienated and confused.  The language is different, the media is foreign (or it's "Two and a Half Men" dubbed into German - even worse), and you spend a lot of time staring blankly, understanding nothing.

But while sipping pastis at a beachfront cafe in Marsielle (which, by the way, is a pastime I highly recommend) a  music video came on.  It was utterly ridiculous - it appeared to be an aged stereotypical surfer guy in baggy pants, rapping in French.

And while trying to figure out what's going on, I realize - I KNOW WHO THAT IS.  IT'S JEAN DUJARDIN.

Now, I know you're looking at this glorious specimen of Gallic manhood and wondering, "How is this man not famous world wide on his pretty face alone?"  Well, he's actually a household name in France, getting his start in comedy sketch shows (the surfer character, "Brice from Nice" was developed as a film, in the style of an SNL film) but became a major movie star with "OSS 177: Cairo, Nest of Spies" which is a hilarious spy caper.  It's sort of like a French Austin Powers, except it's based on a book series that predates James Bond.  The books (and following older French movies) are serious, but the new version mocks the conventions of the era.  It was hugely popular, and led to a film career for DuJardin, as well as a sequel (both are available on Netflix streaming, so you have no excuse not to watch!)

What I find so lovable about DuJardin is that he's both an amazing physical comedian trapped in the body of a gorgeous leading man.  He's comparable to Hugh Jackman in that way, except DuJardin tends to take roles that play to his comedic side as opposed to silly superhero stuff.

And why mention this now?  Well aside from a general community service of bringing greater attention to the glory that is DuJardin, I'm also prepping you for the fact that you're going to be hearing a bit about his new film, which happened to be the surprise hit at Cannes and earned DuJardin the Best Actor award from the festival. 

The movie also stars two of my favorite American character actors, John Goodman and James Cromwell.  It will be coming to the states soon.  I'm hoping that since it's almost entirely a silent film, I won't have to worry about finding an English subtitled version here in Europe.


You're welcome, America.