Claude Autant-Lara

Claude Autant-Lara (August 5, 1901 – February 5, 2000) was a prominent French filmmaker and later a controversial political figure as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Born in Luzarches, Val-d'Oise, Autant-Lara received his education in France and at Mill Hill School in London during his mother’s pacifist exile. He began his career as an art director and costume designer, with notable contributions to the silent film *Nana* (1926), directed by Jean Renoir, where he also made a brief acting appearance.

Transitioning into directing, Autant-Lara became recognized for his provocative films, famously stating, "if a film does not have venom, it is worthless." However, in the 1960s, he distanced himself from the French New Wave, which marked a decline in his mainstream popularity.

His political career took a dramatic turn when he was elected to the European Parliament on June 18, 1989, as a member of the National Front, becoming the oldest member of the assembly. His inaugural speech sparked controversy as he voiced concerns about perceived threats from American culture, leading to a walkout by many deputies. Furthermore, Autant-Lara made inflammatory comments regarding Holocaust issues, which resulted in a scandal and his resignation from the European Parliament, as well as expulsion from the Académie des Beaux-Arts, where he held a lifetime vice-presidency.

He published his memoir, *The Rage in the Heart*, in 1984. Autant-Lara passed away in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, in 2000.