A Living Tradition

As we conclude, it's important to remember that French acting is not a museum piece to be preserved but a living tradition that continues to evolve. Young actors studying at the Conservatoire or performing in small Parisian theaters are creating the future of French cinema. They inherit a magnificent tradition—the intensity of Isabelle Adjani, the intelligence of Jeanne Moreau, the charisma of Jean-Paul Belmondo—while bringing their own perspectives and experiences.

The actors profiled in this book have given us gifts beyond entertainment. They've shown us that performance can be a means of understanding ourselves and our world. They've demonstrated that popular culture can achieve artistic excellence. They've proven that national identity can enrich rather than limit artistic expression.