Jean-Marc Barr

Born:September 27, 1960

Place of Birth:Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Known For:Acting

Biography

Jean-Marc Barr, born on September 27, 1960, in Bitburg, Germany, is a versatile French-American actor and filmmaker. Known for his distinctive bilingualism in French and English, Barr's unique accent reflects his multicultural upbringing, blending elements of both languages effortlessly in his speech. His captivating presence on screen has captivated audiences worldwide, establishing him as a prominent figure in the film industry.

Barr's academic pursuits led him to study philosophy at esteemed institutions such as the University of California, Los Angeles, the Paris Conservatoire, and the Sorbonne. His passion for drama brought him to the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he honed his craft and met his future wife, the talented pianist and composer Irina Dečermić.

The actor's breakout role came in the iconic film "The Big Blue" (1988), directed by Luc Besson, where he portrayed the French diver Jacques Mayol. This role catapulted Barr to international fame and solidified his status as a leading actor in the industry. His collaboration with visionary director Lars von Trier in films like "Europa" (1991) and "Breaking the Waves" (1996) showcased his versatility and depth as a performer.

Beyond his acting prowess, Barr ventured into directing, screenwriting, and producing with his debut film "Lovers" in 1999. This marked the beginning of a successful directorial career, with subsequent projects like "Too Much Flesh" (2000) and "Being Light" (2001) further showcasing his creative vision and storytelling abilities.

In addition to his work behind the camera, Barr has delivered memorable performances in films such as "Le Divorce" (2003) and "The Red Siren" (2002), where his charisma and talent shone brightly on screen. His eclectic filmography includes collaborations with acclaimed directors and a diverse range of roles that highlight his versatility as an actor.

Off-screen, Barr's dedication to his craft and his commitment to artistic excellence have earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of audiences worldwide. His contributions to cinema continue to inspire and entertain, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.

With a career spanning decades and a repertoire of compelling performances, Jean-Marc Barr remains a cinematic force to be reckoned with. His passion for storytelling, coupled with his talent and dedication, cements his legacy as a multifaceted artist who continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with his on-screen presence.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Nymphomaniac: Vol. II

Debtor Gentleman

2013

The continuation of Joe's sexually dictated life delves into the darker aspects of her adult life and what led to her being in Seligman's care.

Dogville

The Man with the Big Hat

2003

When beautiful young Grace arrives in the isolated township of Dogville, the small community agrees to hide her from a gang of ruthless gangsters, and, in return, Grace agrees to do odd jobs for the townspeople.

The Big Blue

Jacques Mayol

1988

Two men answer the call of the ocean in this romantic fantasy-adventure. Jacques and Enzo are a pair of friends who have been close since childhood, and who share a passion for the dangerous sport of free diving. Professional diver Jacques opted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who died at sea when Jacques was a boy; to the bewilderment of scientists, Jacques harbors a remarkable ability to adjust his heart rate and breathing pattern in the water, so that his vital signs more closely resemble that of dolphins than men. As Enzo persuades a reluctant Jacques to compete against him in a free diving contest -- determining who can dive deeper and longer without scuba gear -- Jacques meets Johana, a beautiful insurance investigator from America, and he finds that he must choose between his love for her and his love of the sea.

Dancer in the Dark

Norman

2000

Selma, a Czech immigrant on the verge of blindness, struggles to make ends meet for herself and her son, who has inherited the same genetic disorder and will suffer the same fate without an expensive operation. When life gets too difficult, Selma learns to cope through her love of musicals, escaping life's troubles – even if just for a moment – by dreaming up little numbers to the rhythmic beats of her surroundings.

Maurice

French Colleague (uncredited)

1987

After his lover rejects him, Maurice attempts to come to terms with his sexuality within the restrictiveness of Edwardian society.

Breaking the Waves

Terry

1996

In a small and conservative Scottish village, a woman's paralytic husband convinces her to have extramarital intercourse so she can tell him about it and give him a reason for living.

King David

Absalom

1985

This is a movie about the life of Israel's king David.

Europa

Leopold Kessler

1991

A young, idealist American gets a job as a train conductor for the Zentropa railway network in postwar, US-occupied Frankfurt. As various people try to take advantage of him, he soon finds his position politically sensitive, and gets caught up in a whirlpool of conspiracies and Nazi sympathisers.

Manderlay

Mr. Robinsson

2005

In 1933, after leaving Dogville, Grace Margaret Mulligan sees a slave being punished at a cotton farm called Manderlay. Officially, slavery is illegal and Grace stands up against the farmers. She stays with some gangsters in Manderlay and tries to influence the situation. But when harvest time comes, Grace sees the social and economic reality of Manderlay.

Production

Sexual Chronicles of a French Family

Producer

2012

Three generations of a French family open up about their sexual experiences and desires after young Romain is caught masturbating in his biology class.

The House That Jack Built

Thanks

2018

Failed architect, engineer and vicious murderer Jack narrates the details of some of his most elaborately orchestrated crimes, each of them a towering piece of art that defines his life's work as a serial killer for twelve years.