Vale: Jean-Marc Vallee

Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée best known for Big Little Lies and Dallas Buyers Club, died this week aged 58.

According to media reports, he died suddenly over the weekend of a suspected heart attack in his cabin near Quebec City, Canada.

“Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently,” a statement read. “He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn’t help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.”

Vallée broke into directing through music videos. His films included Black List, C.R.A.Z.Y., The Young Victoria, Wild, Demolition and Dallas Buyers Club.

2017 drama Big Little Lies drew wide acclaim with tributes this week from Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon. He also directed 2018’s Sharp Objects.

“Jean-Marc Vallée was a brilliant, fiercely dedicated filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent who infused every scene with a deeply visceral, emotional truth,” HBO said in a statement. “He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed.”

Nicole Kidman said, “It’s hard to imagine someone as vital, energetic and present as Jean-Marc being gone. I’m shattered. He was at the center of my creative universe and I can’t overstate his significance to me. Jean-Marc was not only responsible for some of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career, but his friendship, kindness and love were an inspiring force I will carry with me. I will always cherish those nights filming above the crashing waves of Big Sur… It doesn’t get better than that. I am forever grateful for my time shared with this extraordinary human.”

“I will always remember you as the sun goes down. Chasing the light. On a mountain in Oregon. On a beach in Monterey. Making sure we all caught a little magic in this lifetime,” Witherspoon wrote. “I love you, Jean Marc. Until we meet again.”

Source: Hollywood Reporter