Jean-Paul Rappeneau, a respected French filmmaker known for his work as both a director and screenwriter, passed away on Tuesday, September 1st, at the age of 94. Widely regarded as a leading figure in French cinema, Rappeneau was celebrated for his meticulous attention to script, rhythm, dialogue, and movement in his films. Over his long career, he directed eight films, with his most acclaimed work being Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), an adaptation of the classic play by Edmond Rostand. The film was a critical success, winning ten César Awards in 1991. It starred notable French actors such as Gérard Depardieu, Anne Brochet, Vincent Perez, and Jacques Weber. Among his other notable films is Le Sauvage (1975), which featured Catherine Deneuve and Yves Montand, and Le Hussard sur le toit (1995), based on a novel by Jean Giono. This film stood out for its high production budget, making it one of the most expensive French films of its time. It starred Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez. Other works include Les Mariés de l'an deux (1971), which featured Jean-Paul Belmondo and Marlène Jobert, and Tout feu, tout flamme (1982), starring Isabelle Adjani and Yves Montand. Rappeneau’s influence extended beyond his films. Martin Bourboulon, director of The Three Musketeers, described Rappeneau as the "master of rhythm" and credited him with inspiring his own approach to filmmaking. Bourboulon had worked with Rappeneau early in his career, serving as his second assistant director on Bon Voyage (2003). Throughout his career, Rappeneau collaborated with many of France’s most famous actors, including Yves Montand, Catherine Deneuve, Gérard Depardieu, Isabelle Adjani, and Juliette Binoche. Rappeneau’s death was announced by one of his sons to AFP, the French news agency. His passing marks the end of an era in French cinema, as he was one of its most respected and influential figures. His legacy is preserved in the many films that continue to be admired for their storytelling, pacing, and artistic depth.