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Jean-Marc Vallée directing Jake Gyllenhaal in Demolition
Photo: Fox Searchlight/Anne Marie Fox
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Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée, whose films included C.R.A.Z.Y, Dallas Buyers Club and Wild, has died at the age of 58.
The filmmaker's death at his cabin near Quebec City, which was sudden, was confirmed to Hollywood Reporter by his long-time producing partner Nathan Ross, although the cause of death was not disclosed.
Paying tribute, Ross said the director "stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently,”
He added “He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn’t help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.”
Vallée made a strong impact with his debut film Black List, in 1995, which was nominated for nine Genie Awards - the Canadian equivalent of the Oscars. But he really began to attract international attention with coming-of-age film C.R.A.Z.Y. which swept up 11 Genies in 2006.
By the time he made The Young Victoria in 2009, he began to pick up Oscar nominations - netting three for the film, winning the Best Costume gong. This would be followed in 2013 by AIDS drama The Dallas Buyers Club, which saw both Jared Leto and Matthew McConnaughey win Oscars and Wild, which netted Rees Witherspoon a Best Actress nomination.
More recently, Vallée - who spoke to us about his 2015 film Demolition - moved into television, scoring success with Sharp Objects and the Emmy winning Big Little Lies.
HBO, which produced Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects, said: "Jean-Marc Vallée was a brilliant, fiercely dedicated filmmaker, a truly phenomenal talent who infused every scene with a deeply visceral, emotional truth.
"He was also a hugely caring man who invested his whole self alongside every actor he directed. We are shocked at the news of his sudden death, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his sons, Alex and Émile, his extended family, and his long-time producing partner, Nathan Ross."
