A shared office space. That’s what you will mainly find on Impasse René Clair today. But this small street in the 18th arrondissement of Paris has a story beyond its modern function.
Impasse René Clair is tucked away near the Gare du Nord rail lines. It begins at 110 Rue des Poissonniers. The street then ends in a dead end. Hence the name Impasse.
This street is named after René Clair. He was a famous French filmmaker, screenwriter, and writer. René Clair was born René Chomette in Paris in 1898. He died in 1981.
Clair’s films were known for their humor, burlesque, fantasy, and surrealism. He directed both silent films and talking pictures. Some of his major films include Paris qui dort and Un Chapeau de paille d’Italie.
During World War I, René Clair served with the French ambulance corps. Afterward, he worked as a journalist, critic, and songwriter. He entered the film industry as an actor in 1920. That was when he took on the name Clair.
In 1923, Clair wrote and directed his first film, Paris qui dort. This established him as a leader of the avant-garde. He combined avant-garde elements with popular appeal.
When sound films emerged in the late 1920s, Clair was disoriented. But he soon recognized that sound could enhance film. He used sound as a counterpoint to visual representation.
His films Sous les toits de Paris, Le Million, and À nous la liberté! were innovative. They showcased a new form of musical film. Clair used music to further the narrative, not just for musical numbers.
The satirical nature of some of his films caused him problems. He went to England and then Hollywood. After the war, he returned to France.
In 1960, René Clair was elected to the French Academy. His films revived his unique view of the world. This poetic world often centered on Paris. He has been called the most French of filmmakers.
Impasse René Clair was created as part of a development project. It was initially named “voie CI/18”. The street was officially named after René Clair when it was opened to the public.
So, as you stand here on Impasse René Clair. Remember the filmmaker. Remember René Clair’s contribution to film history. Think about his artistic vision. It is a legacy that lives on in this small Parisian street.