French stars honor provocateur director Jean-Pierre Mocky

PARIS >> Film celebrities, a culture minister and fans have paid homage to Jean-Pierre Mocky, a fiercely independent filmmaker who directed some of France’s most famed actors over a six-decade career.

Actor Gerard Depardieu encouraged fans to come and join Monday’s funeral ceremony at the Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris, though didn’t go himself. Mocky’s stars also included Catherine Deneuve, Charles Aznavour, Jeanne Moreau and others.

Born Jean-Paul Adam Mokiejewski, Mocky died last week after a career that included directing more than 60 films from 1954 to 2017 and acting in others. His age was disputed.

He was associated with France’s New Wave cinema and he made a mark with his provocative style, though his movies didn’t achieve great commercial success.

LEWIS JOLY — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Photos and text from wire services French/British actor Michael Lonsdale, center, arrives for the funeral of French film director Jean Pierre Mocky at Saint Sulpice church in Paris, Monday.