Alain Delon passes away at 88 years old: an icon of French cinema and masculinity.

The death of Alain Delon at the age of 88 marks the end of an era in French cinema and global popular culture. With a career spanning over six decades, Delon was not only an acclaimed actor but also a symbol of masculinity and auteur cinema. His passing on August 18, 2024, has left a void that many consider irreplaceable, a sentiment expressed by his colleague and friend Brigitte Bardot, who was deeply moved by his departure. Delon's persona was built around his image as a classic heartthrob, a man of almost superhuman beauty who exuded a unique magnetism. From the outset, he captured the audience's attention with his screen presence, becoming the face that defined the concept of "sex appeal" in cinema. With a filmography that includes classics like "Rocco and His Brothers" and "The Leopard," he became a reference point for his generation, merging acting talent with an aesthetic that placed him at the center of the desires of an entire era. Born in Paris in 1935, Delon had a childhood marked by family instability. His parents' separation led him to live in a boarding school, where he developed a rebellious and solitary personality. His time in the Navy and in the Indochina War forged a character that he would later reflect in his film roles. Upon returning to France, he began to carve out a path in the film industry, where his perfect face and charisma became his greatest allies. His relationship with other cinema icons, such as Jean-Paul Belmondo, has also been the subject of analysis. While Belmondo embodied irreverence, Delon established himself as the epitome of elegance and class. This duality not only enriched French cinema but also left a mark on the perception of masculinity on screen, establishing standards that endure to this day. However, his life was not without controversy. The unrecognized paternity of Ari Boulogne, his relationship with the far-right National Front party, and his opinions on euthanasia have sparked criticism and debates about his persona. Despite his success on screen, his legacy is tainted by these attitudes, which have been labeled as part of a "dark masculinity," making him a character as fascinating as he is problematic. Recognition of his career, including awards like the Palme d'Or at Cannes, was not enough to silence critical voices. His figure has been interpreted in various ways, and his life has reflected the changes and challenges that society has faced in recent decades. His sympathy for the National Front and his occasionally macho and homophobic positions contrasted with his image as a romantic heartthrob in cinema. Delon’s death has brought a torrent of memories and tributes. His children, Alain Fabien, Anouchka, and Anthony, expressed their sorrow in a statement highlighting the deep sadness they feel over the loss of their father. This farewell is not just to a cinema icon but to a man who, despite his flaws, left an indelible mark on popular culture. Bardot, who has been a significant figure in Delon’s life, has expressed her grief and the difficulty of filling the void left by his absence. The shock in the entertainment world has been evident, with a multitude of colleagues and admirers recalling not only his talent but also the complexity of his life. In this sense, his figure becomes a reflection of the very history of cinema and society. Delon, a man of light and shadows, symbolizes the duality of 20th-century stardom. His legacy is as bright as it is controversial, and his story invites us to reflect on the construction of public figures and the standards of masculinity that have evolved over the years. The story of Alain Delon is ultimately the story of a time that is passing but continues to resonate in our days. His life and death have left an echo that will surely endure in the collective memory.