Alain Delon passes away, an icon of French cinema and a symbol of a golden era.

Alain Delon, one of the most emblematic figures of French cinema, passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88 in Paris, leaving a legacy that will endure in the collective memory of the seventh art. With his death, the light of an icon fades whose career was marked by his magnetism and a unique style that established him as the epitome of masculinity in film. His ability to attract audiences with his unparalleled presence made him a reference point in European cinema, and his impact continues to be a subject of discussion and analysis. Delon was born in 1935 in Paris, and despite his origins in an upper-class family, his childhood was marked by family instability and constant change. His life took a significant turn when he was sent to a boarding school, where he began to forge a rebellious and aloof personality. However, this stage of his life served as a springboard to his future on the big screen. After completing his military service, cinema welcomed him with open arms, and his natural charm catapulted him to fame without the need for formal training in acting. His encounter with Jean-Paul Belmondo, one of the most prominent actors of his time, marked the beginning of a friendly rivalry that would define two types of masculinity in French cinema: while Belmondo embodied irreverence, Delon represented classic elegance. His performances in iconic films such as "Rocco and His Brothers" and "The Leopard," directed by Luchino Visconti, as well as "The Silence of a Man" by Jean-Pierre Melville, solidified his status as an international star. Despite his success in film, Delon's personal life was marked by controversy. His relationship with Ari Boulogne, the son he had with singer Nico, was always a thorny subject. The lack of paternal recognition and Boulogne's struggle to gain his father's affection left a bitter mark on the actor's life. This family episode, along with his political opinions and controversial attitudes, contributed to the complexity of his public persona. Delon was also criticized for his alignment with the National Front, a far-right political party in France, sparking debate about his legacy in contemporary culture. His stance on gender issues and his attitude toward homosexuality have been met with rejection, and his reception in the public sphere was marked by a duality that continues to generate debate. The newspaper "Libération" referred to him as a "symbol of a dark masculinity," reflecting the tensions his figure awakened in an evolving sociocultural context. His film career, although brilliant, began to fade in the following decades, and Delon opted for a more selective approach to choosing his projects. Although his status and legacy were firmly established, his later years were marked by illness and increasing isolation. In 1984, he received the César Award for his role in "Our History," a recognition that, while it came late, underscored his influence in the film world. Delon's decision to sell his personal estate to avoid family conflicts after his death has also garnered attention. With an estimated fortune of 275 million dollars, his financial legacy will be a source of controversy, just as his personal life was. Additionally, his statements on euthanasia and the right to decide on the end of life sparked significant debate among his heirs, highlighting the family tensions that often lurk behind the glitz of stardom. The news of his passing was met with a sense of loss in the film world, and figures like his former colleague Brigitte Bardot expressed their sadness, indicating that his absence will leave a void that nothing and no one can fill. Bardot, who shared the screen with Delon at the height of their careers, recalled the deep connection that existed between them, a bond marked by mutual admiration and an unbreakable respect for their art. In the history of cinema, Alain Delon stands as an iconic figure, whose life and career reflect not only the glamour and allure of classic Hollywood but also the complexities of a persona who navigated between light and shadow. His legacy will endure in the films he left behind, in the memories of those who knew him, and in the influence he had on generations of actors. Alain Delon was undoubtedly a giant of his time, and his departure marks the closing of a significant chapter in the history of French cinema.