William Klein

Directing

William Klein

Born April 19, 1926 · New York City, USA

Died September 10, 2022 · aged 96

William Klein (April 19, 1926 – September 10, 2022) was a photographer and filmmaker noted to for his ironic approach to both media and his extensive use of unusual photographic techniques in the context of photojournalism and fashion photography. Trained as a painter, Klein studied under Fernand Léger and found early success with exhibitions of his work. However, he soon moved on to photography …

Known For

La JetéeLa Jetée · 1962
La Jetée
7.91962
MovieDramaRomance
A man confronts his past during an experiment that attempts to find a solution to the problems of a post-apocalyptic world caused by a world war.
Far from VietnamFar from Vietnam · 1967
Far from Vietnam
7.11967
MovieDocumentaryWar
In seven different parts, Godard, Ivens, Klein, Lelouch, Marker, Resnais, and Varda show their sympathy for the North-Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War.
Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? · 1966
Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?
6.51966
MovieComedyDrama
A model tells a television crew about her dreams of a life with prince charming all while fending off the lecherous advances of a horde of men.
The King of Ads, Part 2The King of Ads, Part 2 · 1993
The King of Ads, Part 2
3.01993
MovieDocumentary
Part II of a compilation movie featuring European T.V. commercials directed by a variety of well-known directors from across Europe and the U.S. Compiled and produced by Jean-Marie Boursicot.
Mr. FreedomMr. Freedom · 1969
Mr. Freedom
5.21969
MovieDramaComedy
Mr. Freedom, a bellowing good-ol'-boy superhero decked out in copious football padding, jets to France to cut off a Commie invasion from Switzerland. A destructive, arrogant patriot in tight pants, Freedom joins forces with Marie Madeleine to combat lefty freethinkers, as well as the insidious evildoers Moujik Man and inflatable Red China Man, culminating in a star-spangled showdown.
The Model CoupleThe Model Couple · 1977
The Model Couple
4.61977
MovieComedyScience Fiction
In 1977 France, the Ministry of the Future chooses two “normal,” white, middle-class citizens, Claudine and Jean-Michel, for a national experiment. They will be monitored and displayed on television for six months in a model apartment outfitted with state-of-the-art products and nonstop surveillance—the template for “a new city for the new man".
The FrenchThe French · 1982
The French
7.21982
MovieDocumentary
Roland-Garros, 1981: For the very first time, a documentary team is allowed to shoot sequences in the backstage of the French Open of tennis of Roland-Garros. William Klein's camera takes us on the heels of the greatest players of the time: Björn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Chris Evert-Lloyd, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Yannick Noah, Guillermo Vilas... Miles of film. Historical pictures, a thousand and one details, a thousand and one unusual scenes. A declaration of love from a tennis lover.
Eldridge Cleaver, Black PantherEldridge Cleaver, Black Panther · 1970
Eldridge Cleaver, Black Panther
8.31970
MovieHistoryDocumentary
The portrait of Eldridge Cleaver, the "Minister of Information" for the Black Panthers movement, in exile in Algiers.

Filmography

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Muhammad Ali, the GreatestMuhammad Ali, the Greatest · 1974
Muhammad Ali, the Greatest
6.01974
MovieDocumentary
Universally accepted as a true icon of the 20th century, Muhammad Ali’s phenomenal achievements spanned sport, politics and religion. One man – photographer William Klein had comprehensive access to the events that shaped Ali’s legend. In 1964, the young gregarious Cassius Clay successfully defeated the seemingly invincible Heavyweight Champion of the World Sonny Liston – the manner of Clay’s victory and his amazing persona made him an instant superstar. Through this incredible period, and Clay’s subsequent rematches with Liston, William Klein enjoyed unrivalled access top Clay’s camp – witnessing at first hand Cassius Clay becoming Muhammad Ali and angering the American people with his allegiance to Islam. Forward to Zaire 1974, and the return of Muhammad Ali to the world stage to face another invincible champion George Foreman. As Ali reclaimed the crown for a second time, Klein was ever present, capturing the full story at close quarter.

Director