The 17th arrondissement of Paris served as the birthplace of Jean-Marie Poiré in 1945, marking the start of a career that spanned multiple roles within the French film industry. As the son of producer Alain Poiré, he navigated a creative landscape as a director, screenwriter, television producer, animator, and even a make-up artist throughout his professional life.
Early Writing Credits
Before transitioning to directing, Poiré established himself through screenwriting. His early contributions to the medium included credits on Leontine in 1968, A Golden Widow in 1969, and Monsieur Papa in 1977. These initial projects provided a foundation for his subsequent shift toward helming productions as a lead director.
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Poiré made his directorial debut in 1978 with Les petits câlins. He followed this with a sequence of films throughout the 1980s, including Retour en force in 1980, Les Hommes préfèrent les grosses in 1981, and the 1982 production Le Père Noël est une ordure. His filmography expanded during this era to encompass Papy fait de la résistance in 1983, Twist again à Moscou in 1986, and Mes meilleurs copains in 1989.
Commercial Success and Later Works
The 1990s marked a period of high output, highlighted by L'Opération Corned-Beef in 1991 and the success of Les Visiteurs in 1993. He continued this trajectory with Les Anges gardiens in 1995 and the 1998 sequel Les Visiteurs II: Les Couloirs du temps. By 2001, he directed Just Visiting under the pseudonym Jean-Marie Gaubert. His later projects included Ma femme... s'appelle Maurice in 2002 and The Visitors: Bastille Day in 2016.
Recognition and Legacy
For his extensive contributions to the arts, Poiré received the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1996. Throughout his tenure in the industry, he balanced responsibilities as a film producer and television director, maintaining a distinct professional identity within France's cinematic framework.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, 17th arrondissement of Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Professional debut: 1968
- Notable honor: Knight of the Legion of Honour (1996)
- Alternative credit name: Jean-Marie Gaubert
Questions readers ask
Did Jean-Marie Poiré use any other names in his work?
Yes, he was credited as Jean-Marie Gaubert for the 2001 film Just Visiting.
What major award did he receive?
He was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1996.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1996
- Worked as film director, screenwriter and film producer
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