The French film “The Artist” recently took the world by storm, but many people do not realize that the film’s protagonist was actually based on a real-life silent film star. The name Max Linder may not ring any bells, but in the early 20th century, this French actor was internationally renowned. He is still well-known in his home country, and with the release of an award-winning film that features a character based on his persona, Max Linder might just be making a comeback around the world.
Although the Louvre is generally not the first destination that visitors think of when they want to see a film, it is at the Louvre that a special cycle of films dedicated to Max Linder will be shown from Friday, June 15th until Sunday, June 17th, 2012. This makes it the perfect outing for guests staying at the Hotel Louvre Marsollier.
Max Linder wrote, directed and acted in hundreds of films between the years 1900 and 1925. Much like Charlie Chaplin with his “tramp” character, Linder created his own “Max” persona — a suave and elegant young man — and embodied him in almost all of his films. Because Linder’s films are silent, visitors who do not speak French will still be able to completely enjoy them. Plus, the Louvre is projecting the films with full piano accompaniment, just like when they were originally shown.
The films to be projected include “Max Virtuoso,” “Love Unconquerable,” “Max Sets the Fashion” and “Entente Cordiale.” The cycle will also feature conferences and a documentary on the life of Max Linder, but it should be noted that these other events will be in French.
Unfortunately, “The Artist” has a much happier ending than that of Max Linder’s story, which ends quite tragically with his career decline and death at the age of 41. However, the Louvre is giving visitors the opportunity to see Max at his happiest, entertaining film audiences from across the world.