Malgorn
Actor
About Malgorn
Malgorn was a French actor who appeared in Jean Epstein's acclaimed 1929 silent film 'Finis Terræ.' His performance was part of a cast that primarily consisted of local Breton fishermen and inhabitants of the Ouessant island where the film was shot. The film, which translates to 'End of the Earth,' was a significant work in the French avant-garde cinema movement and documented the harsh lives of seaweed harvesters. Malgorn's contribution to the film, while not extensively documented, was part of what made the film's authentic portrayal of Breton life so powerful. His brief film career appears to have been limited to this single production, which was common for many of the non-professional actors Epstein cast for authenticity. The film itself was restored and preserved as an important work of early French cinema, ensuring that Malgorn's performance remains accessible to modern audiences.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic, authentic performance style typical of non-professional actors cast by Jean Epstein for their genuine connection to the Breton setting and lifestyle
Milestones
- Appeared in Jean Epstein's 'Finis Terræ' (1929)
- Participated in one of the most important French avant-garde films of the late silent era
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Part of the cast of a film preserved by Cinémathèque Française
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Malgorn contributed to the authentic representation of Breton life in 'Finis Terræ,' a film that has become an important document of both French avant-garde cinema and Breton cultural heritage. The film's use of non-professional local actors like Malgorn helped establish a new standard for realism in French cinema, influencing later documentary and narrative film traditions.
Lasting Legacy
While Malgorn himself did not have an extensive film career, his contribution to 'Finis Terræ' ensures his place in cinema history as part of a groundbreaking work that bridged the gap between documentary realism and narrative storytelling. The film's preservation and continued study means his performance continues to be appreciated by film scholars and enthusiasts.
Who They Inspired
As part of the authentic cast of 'Finis Terræ,' Malgorn contributed to a filmmaking approach that influenced later French directors seeking realism, including aspects of the French New Wave's interest in location shooting and non-professional actors.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Malgorn's personal life, which was common for many of the local actors who appeared in early French films. He was likely a resident of Brittany or specifically Ouessant island, where 'Finis Terræ' was filmed.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'Finis Terræ' which was filmed on location on the island of Ouessant off the coast of Brittany
- The film's title 'Finis Terræ' is Latin for 'End of the Earth,' referring to the westernmost point of France
- Director Jean Epstein specifically cast local fishermen and islanders for authenticity
- The film was one of the last major French silent productions before the transition to sound
- Malgorn was likely not a professional actor but a real Breton fisherman
- The film was restored in the 1990s and remains an important work of early French cinema
- The production faced difficult filming conditions due to the harsh weather of the Atlantic coast
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Malgorn?
Malgorn was a French actor who appeared in the 1929 silent film 'Finis Terræ,' likely as a non-professional local actor from Brittany who was cast for authenticity in Jean Epstein's acclaimed film about Breton seaweed harvesters.
What films is Malgorn best known for?
Malgorn is known solely for his appearance in 'Finis Terræ' (1929), an important French avant-garde silent film that documented the lives of Breton fishermen and has been preserved as a significant work of early cinema.
When was Malgorn born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Malgorn are not documented in historical records, which was common for many of the non-professional actors who appeared in early French films.
What awards did Malgorn win?
There are no records of Malgorn receiving individual awards or nominations, as was typical for supporting actors and non-professional performers in silent era films.
What was Malgorn's acting style?
Malgorn's acting style was naturalistic and authentic, typical of the local Breton inhabitants that director Jean Epstein cast to bring genuine realism to his portrayal of life on Ouessant island.
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Films
1 film
