Jim Harrison & friends

PostED ON OCTOBER 12, 2016 AT 10AM

Four close friends of Jim Harrison, a regular presence at the Lumière festival he so loved, wished to honor him on Tuesday, October 11. They had traveled a long distance to come speak about the extraordinary lover-of-life and friendly man he was, and above all, to pay homage to a wonderful poet. Each had a personal anecdote to share.

© Institut Lumière / Photo Sandrine Thesillat / Jean-Luc Mège

American writer Peter Lewis, a great friend of his for 40 years:

"Poetry was so important to him - it was his great passion."

And with a mischievous eye, "He spoke very rarely of actors, but he loved actresses. Jeanne Moreau, Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Michelle Pfeiffer..."

11-OCT-Hommage-Jim-Harrisson-5 © Institut Lumière / Photo Sandrine Thesillat / Jean-Luc Mège

Editor Dominique Bourgois:

"First and foremost, he was an eminent poet."

A funny anecdote: "whenever he came to Europe, his readers would bring him something to eat or drink like bread, pâté... So we would each go home with a trunk full of goodies. He could not bring everything back to the States!"

11-OCT-Hommage-Jim-Harrisson-2 © Institut Lumière / Photo Sandrine Thesillat / Jean-Luc Mège

Brice Matthieussent, his translator:

"He'd tell me with a jovial look, 'Brice, my books are thicker in French than in English, but I'm not worried. I know you add your own chapters and characters!'"

François Busnel

The critic, host and producer knew Harrison and had filmed him several times. A clip from the travel documentary devoted to Harrison was screened during the tribute evening. One observed the general nature of his character, shot in 2014. "Being with Jim Harrison, one was sure to have a good time. He loved nature, he was able to quote Rimbaud in English for 45 minutes!"

Charlotte Pavard

Categories: Lecture Zen