Gaspard Ulliel Xavier Dolan
Film, News

Xavier Dolan makes a heartfelt statement on the passing of Gaspard Ulliel

by Lorraine Carpenter

“It’s your whole being that transformed my life, a being that I loved deeply, and I will always love.”

Montreal filmmaker Xavier Dolan has released a statement following the passing of French actor Gaspard Ulliel. Ulliel died earlier today at the age of 37, following a skiing accident yesterday in Savoie, France.

Gaspard Ulliel appeared in Dolan’s film Juste la fin du monde, for which he won the César Award for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Ulliel gained notoriety portraying the young Hannibal Lecter in Hannibal Rising (2007), as well as Yves Saint Laurent in the Saint Laurent biopic (2014). He also had a role in the forthcoming Disney+ series Moon Knight.

Dolan’s statement touched on a number of Ulliel’s traits, from his discreet laugh to his “sparkling sweetness.” Dolan said that Ulliel transformed his life.

“This is unimaginable, senseless and so painful to even think of writing these words. Your discreet laugh. Your attentive eye. Your scar. Your talent. Your ability to listen. Your whispers. Your kindness. Every feature of your person was born of a sparkling sweetness. It’s your whole being that transformed my life, a being that I loved deeply, and I will always love. I can’t say anything else, I’m drained, stunned by your departure.”

—Xavier Dolan on Gaspard Ulliel

Xavier Dolan makes heartfelt statement on the passing of Gaspard Ulliel

Juste la fin du monde is available to watch on Apple TV+.

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Posted in Film, News

by Lorraine Carpenter

Editor in chief
Lorraine Carpenter was born in Montreal and studied communications and journalism at Concordia. She co-founded Cult MTL in 2012 following 12 years at the now-defunct Montreal alt weekly the Mirror, where she worked in editorial as copy editor and music editor. She’s dedicated to supporting the cultural scene in Montreal.