Jean-Dominique de la Rochefoucauld

Jean‑Dominique de La Rochefoucauld (1931–2011) was a French screenwriter and director, recognized as one of the key figures of historical television drama. A frequent collaborator of Roberto Rossellini (The Taking of Power by Louis XIV, Socrates, Blaise Pascal), he later created his own landmark works, including Richelieu ou la Journée des dupes and L’An Mil. Known for his rigorous research and clear, educational storytelling, he left a lasting mark on French cultural television. He was the father of actress Sophie de La Rochefoucauld and director Claire de La Rochefoucauld.

Works

Witnesses to a Film Shoot

Interview with artistic adviser and writer Jean-Dominique de La Rochefoucauld and script supervisor Michelle Podroznik, who discuss the making of Roberto Rossellini's film "The Taking of Power by Louis XIV."

Release Date2004-10-20

Charactersd Self

Henry James Stories

A French-language anthology of seven famous, fantastic, and psychological stories by beloved American author Henry James.

Release Date1976-02-28

DepartmentWriting

JobDialogue

Episode Count2

Vote Count1

Richelieu ou La journée des dupes

A historical television film directed by Jean‑Dominique de La Rochefoucauld, Richelieu, or The Day of the Dupes recounts the political tensions that came to a head in November 1630, when Marie de’ Medici attempted to remove Cardinal Richelieu from power. Blending court intrigue, the king’s illness, and decisive reversals, the film portrays the struggle for influence that ultimately cemented Louis XIII’s trust in his minister. Led by Didier Sandre, Patrick Raynal, and Dominique Blanchar, the telefilm offers a meticulous reconstruction of the events that shaped the kingdom’s balance of power.

Release Date1983-01-05

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count1

Le Président et la garde barrière

Release Date1997-12-26

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count1

Acts of the Apostles

This dramatization from the New Testament originated as a 342-minute, five-part television mini-series; it was subsequently released in a shortened, 280-minute version. In part one, the Apostles call the pilgrims of Jerusalem to be baptized, and Peter (Jacques Dumur) and John (Mohamed Kouka) are arrested by the Sanhedrin but later set free. In part two, Stephen (Zignani Houcine) is stoned for disobeying Mosaic Law, Philip (Bepy Mannaiuolo) baptizes an Ethiopian eunuch, and Saul (Edoardo Torricella) is blinded by the Lord while journeying to Damascus. In part three, Peter baptizes a centurion and Saul, renamed Paul, makes his first mission journey from Antioch in Syria to Pisidian Antioch. In part four, Paul preaches the equality before God of both the circumcised and uncircumcised. In part five, Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and sent to stand trial in Rome.

Release Date1969-04-06

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Episode Count5

Vote Count5

Marcheloup

Release Date1982-03-26

DepartmentWriting

JobAdaptation

Episode Count4

Vote Count2

Rosalie Hits the Road

Rosalie has had enough of "family life", in other words of Georges, her weak husband, and of her cantankerous mother-in-law. One day she decides to hit the road, not knowing where she is going. Joséphine is fed up with... being fed up with life. One day she decides to say no to cancer and depression and she hits the road. Her goal is to join her daughter Carole with whom she has been at odds for ten years. Rosalie and Joséphine, the two confused women meet, journey together, help each other and little by little become inseparable friends.

Release Date2005-03-26

DepartmentDirecting

JobDirector

Vote Count1

Blaise Pascal

In this evocative, atmospheric biography, Roberto Rossellini brings to life philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal, who, amid religious persecution and ignorance, believed in a harmony between God and science.

Release Date1972-05-16

DepartmentWriting

JobDialogue

Vote Count14

The Author of Beltraffio

A young American writer visits a famous author in the English countryside, and notices antagonism between the author and his wife over the upbringing of their young son.

Release Date1976-03-27

DepartmentWriting

JobDialogue

Vote Count2

Charles Clément, canut de Lyon

Release Date1979-11-20

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Vote Count1

1788

The story of a small village in Touraine between 1788 and 1789, on the eve of the French Revolution, with its lord, its wealthy peasants, and its poor. The wealthy peasants, expelled from the communal pastures by the count, take him to court. Guillaume Coquard joins the other villagers in drafting the cahiers de doléances (lists of grievances). On the eve of the convocation of the Estates General, the village loses its lawsuit. On the night of August 4, 1789, the deputies vote to abolish privileges. The peasants will be able to buy them back. But the poorest wonder: with what?

Release Date1978-03-23

DepartmentWriting

JobWriter

Vote Count2

The Mouth Agape

Monique is dying of cancer, lying in bed in the apartment above the store her family owns. Her philandering husband carries on with life, her son remains aloof, and her daughter-in-law wonders if she is witnessing her own decline. They all struggle to express, or feel, their love for one another.

Release Date1974-05-08

Vote Count36