Robert Hossein, a French cinematic luminary of Parsi descent, etched his name in the annals of film history with his remarkable body of work, which includes a 1982 adaptation of Victor Hugo's iconic novel, Les Misérables, as well as memorable performances in Vice and Virtue, Le Casse, Les Uns et les Autres, and Venus Beauty Institute.
Hossein's most recent on-screen appearances have been marked by a diverse range of character portrayals, showcasing his versatility as a thespian. Notably, he has taken on the role of the devoted husband to the captivating Michèle Mercier in the esteemed Angélique series. Moreover, he has also brought to life the character of a Catholic priest, whose spiritual convictions are put to the test when he finds himself falling deeply in love with the enchanting Claude Jade. As his character's faith is shaken, he makes the bold decision to abandon his priestly duties and embrace the principles of communism, as depicted in the 1973 film Prêtres interdits, or Forbidden Priests.
The esteemed director's journey commenced in 1956 with the cinematic adaptation of Frédéric Dard's narrative, "Les salauds vont en enfer". This inaugural endeavour would lay the groundwork for the distinctive stylistic hallmarks that would come to define his body of work. Notably, Hossein's films frequently employ suspenseful plot structures, cleverly subverting audience expectations to instead focus on the intricate dynamics of ritualistic relationships.
Furthermore, his oeuvre is characterized by a profound exploration of the complex mechanisms of guilt and its far-reaching, devastating consequences on interpersonal relationships. This thematic preoccupation is likely a direct result of his lifelong fascination with the literary masterworks of the esteemed Russian author, Fyodor Dostoyevski.
Hossein's cinematic endeavors, including the notable films "Toi, le venin" and "Le vampire de Dusseldorf", garnered a modicum of international recognition, yet simultaneously attracted a barrage of scathing criticism from prominent film critics and adherents of the French New Wave movement, who took umbrage with his melodramatic storytelling approaches.
Despite being vilified by the critical establishment, Hossein persisted in his creative endeavors, unrelentingly exploring a diverse range of cinematic genres and remaining steadfast in his artistic vision, unwavering in his commitment to his unique directorial style.
Hossein's paternal lineage can be traced back to his father, André Hossein, a renowned French composer of Azerbaijani-Tajik descent, whose cultural heritage significantly influenced Hossein's upbringing and artistic inclinations.
Hossein's maternal side of the family is equally fascinating, with his mother hailing from Kiev, Ukraine, where she established herself as a talented Jewish comedy actress, bringing a unique blend of humor and wit to her performances.
Throughout his life, Hossein has been married on three separate occasions, each union yielding a new generation of loved ones. His first marriage was to the accomplished actress Marina Vlady, with whom he shared two sons, Pierre and Igor, who would grow up to become accomplished individuals in their own right.
Hossein's second marriage was to Caroline Eliacheff, with whom he had a son, Nicholas, adding to the ever-growing family tree.
In his current marriage to the talented actress Candice Patou, Hossein has welcomed a new addition to his family, his youngest son, Julien, who is the latest generation to benefit from his parents' love and support.
As a result of his three marriages, Hossein has become a devoted father to five sons, each one a reflection of his love, creativity, and commitment to family.
In the year 1971, Hossein underwent a profound and transformative experience, marked by a significant shift in his religious beliefs and convictions, as he made a conscious and deliberate decision to convert to the Catholic faith, a choice that was deeply influenced by his visit to the revered and historic site of the Marian apparition at San Damiano in Lombardy, Italy, a location steeped in spiritual significance and mystique.
