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Big Little Lies Director Jean-Marc Vallée Dies At 58
Prolific director Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club) has passed away suddenly at the age of 58. The Canadian talent studied filmmaking at a young age, cutting his teeth on music videos in the mid-80s. Vallée upgraded to short films in the 1990s, crafting projects that gained considerable critical recognition, like the fantastical comedy Stereotypes. Success showered upon him in 1995 with his feature debut Liste noire (Black List), which became the highest-earning Quebec film of the year. He rode the acclaim train to Los Angeles, where he began by directing two low-budget films.
Vallée's international breakthrough came with C.R.A.Z.Y., which he directed, co-wrote and produced in 2005. The coming-of-age film won him four prestigious Genie Awards in Canada, including Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Director, and caught the eye of various Hollywood titans. Vallée's name began to sweep across America in 2013 with the Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner-led Dallas Buyers Club. McConaughey and Leto won two of the six Oscars the film was nominated for. Though Vallée didn't win, the movie's visibility opened many doors for him. The filmmaker soon teamed up with Reese Witherspoon for Wild, a partnership they would continue with the HBO Limited Series Big Little Lies, which earned Vallée a DGA Award and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing. He found a sweet spot with HBO, where he also directed and executive produced Amy Adams' award-winning series Sharp Objects.
Deadline broke the sad news that Vallée suddenly died at the age of 58. While many details were unknown, it was confirmed that the creative passed away at his cabin near Quebec City. It was said that his loved ones were left in total shock from the unexpected event. Vallée's producing partner Nathan Ross, who he co-founded production company Crazyrose with, released a somber statement in regards to his friend's legacy:
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“Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently. 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's artistry was reiterated in statements from HBO, who called him a "truly phenomenal" talent, and various major Hollywood players. Witherspoon notably posted a brief note to her Instagram Story saying that she was heartbroken. There was buzz of the pair collaborating on a Big Little Lies season 3, though nothing was confirmed. Vallée had various projects in the works, including Apple TV's adaption of the novel Lady in the Lake starring Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyong'o.
While it's deeply heartbreaking that Vallée leaves behind a desk full of unfinished projects, he will ultimately be remembered for the distinctly creative works he was able to complete. From films like Dallas Buyers Club to television landmarks like Big Little Lies, the powerhouse's unique perspective is forever distilled in a gallery of gorgeous productions. Jean-Marc Vallée is survived by his sons, Alex and Émile, and siblings Marie-Josée Vallée, Stéphane Tousignant and Gérald Vallée. **** sends condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
