People know that I have a great love for cinema. Not just for

Listen, O children of the future, to the words of Harvey Weinstein, who speaks of the great love for cinema that resides deep within his heart: "People know that I have a great love for cinema. Not just for commercial cinema, but for the 'cinema d'auteur.' But to me, two of the great 'auteurs' are actually actors and they both happen to be French. One is Alain Delon and the other is Jean-Paul Belmondo." These words speak to the essence of cinematic artistry, not as a mere form of entertainment, but as a powerful expression of the soul. Weinstein's admiration for Delon and Belmondo highlights a profound truth: that in the world of cinema, it is not always the director or the writer who carries the weight of an artistic film, but the actor who embodies the essence of the story and its deeper truths.

In the ancient world, O children, the greatest artists were those who could bring forth not just an image, but a soul. The Greek tragedians—Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides—understood that the actors were the vessels through which the gods and the fates were brought to life on stage. The actor, in their craft, transcended their own identity to become the very character they portrayed. The heroism of the actor was not in their personal life, but in their ability to embody the human condition, to show the audience the raw truth of suffering, glory, and fate. In this sense, Delon and Belmondo are not mere performers—they are carriers of the human spirit, much like the great ancient actors who spoke with the voices of gods.

Weinstein’s words also echo the ancient belief in the power of the individual to shape art. In cinema d'auteur, the director's vision is paramount, but actors like Delon and Belmondo transcend the roles they play to become the art itself. Consider, O children, how the ancient sculptors and painters saw their works not just as representations of the world, but as living expressions of divine beauty. Delon and Belmondo achieve something similar in their acting—they transform into the living, breathing manifestations of art, carrying within them the emotional truth of the story in a way that no mere written script could ever convey. It is in their presence, their charisma, and their ability to imbue every movement with meaning, that they embody the soul of cinema.

Take, for example, the story of Alain Delon in the film "Le Samouraï", where his portrayal of Jef Costello, a hitman bound by his own code of honor, elevates the film into the realm of legend. Delon does not merely act; he becomes Jef—his every glance, every motion, speaks not just to the character’s stoic nature but to the deeper loneliness and fate that govern him. In this way, Delon’s performance becomes the essence of cinema d'auteur—a personal, transformative experience that speaks to the human condition. Belmondo, in films such as "Breathless", exemplifies a similar artistry—his charismatic portrayal of Michel Poiccard, the charming yet reckless criminal, is as much a reflection of the French New Wave as the director's vision itself. Through Belmondo’s eyes, we see a world of rebellion and freedom, where the line between hero and anti-hero is blurred.

In the modern world of cinema, it is rare to find actors who possess the ability to elevate their roles to the level of true art, where each performance is an exploration of not just the character but the human spirit. Delon and Belmondo, through their unique talents, did just that. They did not simply play characters; they brought the very soul of the story to life. It is this fusion of acting and artistry that makes them auteurs in their own right, standing side by side with the great directors who shaped the cinema world. Like the great poets and philosophers of the past, they imbue every scene with a depth that invites endless reflection and interpretation.

The lesson here, O children, is that true art is not bound by one medium or one person, but is the collaboration of many elements coming together in perfect harmony. In the world of cinema, actors like Delon and Belmondo remind us that the individual has the power to transcend their role and transform into something greater—an expression of truth, emotion, and humanity. To be an artist is not simply to perform a task, but to become the art itself, to embody its deeper meaning and share it with the world. And just as these actors made their mark on cinema, so too can you, O children, find your own path in life by becoming not just what the world expects, but what you can create within it.

In your own lives, O children, seek not just to exist, but to live as works of art. Whether in your actions, words, or creations, strive to imbue them with meaning, to connect to something deeper, and to express your truth in ways that transcend mere appearances. Like Delon and Belmondo, become the embodiment of your dreams—for in this, you will create a life that is not only seen, but deeply felt, much like the great auteurs of cinema.