Top secret, the Cinémathèque's exhibition spotlights film spies - photos

Which spy could you be: the elegant James Bond or the proud Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath? In cinema, there's no shortage of spies and stories of shadowy heroes. The Cinémathèque française offers us an exciting plunge into this intriguing universe, with its exceptional new exhibition: Top secret, cinéma & espionnage. From October 21, 2022 to May 21, 2023, discover the best secret agents of the silver screen.

Saving the world, thwarting plots and killing villains, they change the course of history without ever stepping into the spotlight... They have it all, they know how to get out of the most desperate situations, and of course: they have unrivalled class. In the world of cinema, the spy is often the supernatural being who succeeds in everything.

But spies aren't just fictional characters: many magnificent films have been inspired by real life. Throughouthistory, and even more so in times of war, spies have been legion, and have played essential roles. Mata Hari, Marlene Dietrich, Hedy Lamarr and even Edward Snowden have donned the mantle. Many filmmakers have adapted their lives and exploits to the big screen, taking varying degrees of liberties with reality.

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Spies in cinema represent our vision of history, intervening in conflicts we dread, facing dangers we dare not imagine... Secret or world wars, technologies of the future, solitary heroes or all-powerful agencies, individuals with multiple lives and identities: the spy allows us to represent all our fantasies.

The Cinémathèque offers us an overview of cinema's most memorable spies, while presenting numerous video extracts, posters, costumes, gadgets and filming accessories, archives, works of art... History and fiction meet and mingle in this journey through the most impressive figures of espionage. Fans of the genre are in for a treat, with an impressive selection of works and films to see.

As always, the Musée du Cinéma de Paris takes us on a fascinating, extremely well-documented and always entertaining tour! Film fans, don't miss this great event, which should once again add to our list of must-see films.