French New Wave Figure Anna Karina Dies

Anna Karina (Twitter @criterionchannl)

JAKARTA - French actress, Anna Karina, passed away on Saturday, December 14 in the city of Paris. The actress known in the film The Little Soldier by Jean-Luc Godard died of cancer. This news was confirmed by the French culture minister.

Karina started her career as a cabaret singer. After that he met a famous designer, Coco Chanel, who asked him to change his name from Hanne Karin Bayer to Anna Karina.

Meanwhile, Godard's initial exposure to Karina occurred when he saw Karina in a Palmolive ad wrapped only in soap foam. Godard wanted Karina to play a small role in the film, Breathless, but Karina refused because she had to act naked.

Godard did not immediately forget Karina, because three months later, he again asked Karina to act in another film, The Little Soldier. Quoted from NPR, Karina asked whether or not she should remove her clothes.

"You know, I'm not 18 years old yet. I can't do that, ”said Karina. And Godard replied, “You don't need to (undress) that. You just have to do what I tell you. " Then, Godard and Karina got married.

Godard was instrumental in shaping Karina's career in the French film industry. Even so, his second marriage ended after four years. Karina remains grateful to Godard for bringing changes in her career. He called Godard's method of working very different. His role is written, not improvising.

Karina is known for her acting visualization which technically had an impact on French cinema. It was proven that after playing in a film made by her husband, Karina got the opportunity to act in films made by famous directors such as George Cukor, Luchino Visconti, and Jacques Rivette. He also played and directed Victoria (2008) but that was his last career in film.

Apart from directing films, Karina also voices in Sous le soleil exactement and Roller Girl with Serge Gainsbourg. He has also made a studio album and a compilation of songs, respectively entitled Une histoire d'amour and Chansons de films.

Karina's dress style reflects 60s French women in a sailor dress, tartan skirt, long socks and a hat. This makes her one of the female figures with an attractive taste of fashion. Productive and creative, Karina has also written several books, namely Vivre ensemble (1973), Golden City (1983), On n'achète pas le soleil (1988), and Jusqu'au bout du hasard (1998).

Throughout her life, Karina has continued to work and consistently establish herself as a woman who deserves the title of legend in the French entertainment industry. Have a good rest, Anna Karina.