Biography

Claude Sautet was born on February 23, 1924 in Montrouge, Hauts-de-Seine, France. He was a writer and director, known for A Heart in Winter (1992), Nelly & Monsieur Arnaud (1995) and The Things of Life (1970). He was married to Graziella Sautet. He died on July 22, 2000 in Paris, France.

His movies often involved musicians and classical music

Intimate, naturalistic dramas

Troubled sentimental/family relationships

Often cast Romy Schneider, Michel Piccoli and Yves Montand in main roles

Often cast Bernard Fresson and Dominique Zardi in supporting roles

Noted French writer/director. First trained as a painter and sculptor, then worked as a music critic, and as a warden in an educational facility for delinquent children. Enrolled in a Parisian film school (IDHEC), 1946-48, working his way up to assistant director, screenwriter and script doctor. Turned director from 1956, first making tough, film noir-style gangster movies, later concentrating on films examining interpersonal relationships and sociological or psychological themes.

Buried in the Montparnasse Cemetery, Paris, France.

Was a student at IDHEC (La Femis), the premiere French film school in Paris.

[on Nelly & Monsieur Arnaud (1995)] You put in details from your own life without actually wanting to do so expressly. I recognise that I have gone through a lot of the stages described in the film. I've known ennui, I've known misogyny, I've known misanthropy. I've gone through periods where one protects oneself as though one has been living in a fortress. I've known the moments when one is uncertain about everything in life.