John Travolta, a globally recognized movie star known for iconic roles in films such as Grease and Pulp Fiction, recently offered an unexpected glimpse into his cinematic tastes when he revealed his favorite French films. In a candid interview, Travolta explained that his top movie choices come not from Hollywood, but from the world of French cinema, a revelation that surprised many fans and industry insiders alike. This disclosure adds a new dimension to Travolta’s public persona and highlights his admiration for a very different film tradition.
Speaking to Cigar Aficionado, John Travolta declared, “All my favourite movies are French.” He went on to specify his top picks: A Man and a Woman and Going Places, emphasizing their lasting impact on both his personal and professional life. “A Man and a Woman is the most romantic movie ever made,” Travolta said. He argued that the film excelled by capturing genuine emotion, stating, “Just because it captured the real feelings of two people falling in love, and it had music that matched those feelings and images that matched those feelings. It was a marriage of all three. To me, every image of that movie looks like a work of art.”
A Man and a Woman, directed by Claude Lelouch in 1966, tells the story of two individuals, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimée, navigating love while burdened by guilt from past losses. Its authentic storytelling and emotional depth resonated with audiences, earning the Palme d’Or at Cannes and launching Trintignant to stardom. The film’s influence endured through sequels such as A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later and The Best Years of a Life, further cementing its place in cinematic history.
John Travolta’s appreciation extends to the 1974 film Going Places, known in France as Les Valseuses. The film features Patrick Dewaere and a young Gérard Depardieu portraying two rebellious characters on a controversial spree that shocked audiences with its raw depictions of violence and transgression. At the time, its content was unprecedented in French cinema, spurring widespread debate. Despite its divisive nature and content that has come under fresh scrutiny, Going Places remains a striking example of bold, boundary-pushing storytelling in European film.
For many who have followed Travolta’s career, ranging from lighthearted musicals to intense dramas such as Saturday Night Fever, his passion for these French films may come as a surprise. The actor is celebrated for his versatility—one moment he’s Danny Zuko singing about romance and cars, the next he’s taking on gritty, Oscar-nominated roles—yet this revelation adds further depth to his creative inspirations. Travolta’s choices suggest a deep respect for cinematic artistry that goes beyond box office hits and familiar genres.
Adding context to his connection with France, Travolta reminisced about his personal ties to the country, revealing that he once dated French actress Catherine Deneuve during the era these films were making their mark. Years later, he and American actress Kelly Preston chose Paris as the location for their wedding, reflecting his ongoing affection for French culture. Travolta’s admiration for France and its cinema appears to be both personal and artistic, intertwining the country’s influence with key moments of his own life.
By spotlighting these French films as his favorites, John Travolta has sparked new discussions about the ways international cinema can shape and inspire even the most successful Hollywood figures. His comments also highlight the importance of looking beyond an actor’s established repertoire to understand the full breadth of their influences. Travolta’s revelations may encourage both fans and fellow film enthusiasts to revisit or discover these European classics, potentially widening appreciation for French cinema among a global audience.
As John Travolta continues to evolve throughout his career, his openness about his favorite French films offers a rare and authentic look at his deepest cinematic passions, suggesting that unexpected influences often drive some of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. The impact of this revelation may prompt both renewed interest in the featured films and a broader conversation regarding the diverse inspirations that fuel creative talent in the film industry today.
