Jacques Demy (June 5, 1931 – October 27, 1990) was a French director and screenwriter. He appeared in the wake of the French New Wave. His films are well known for their sumptuous look, drawing on Hollywood musicals, fairy tales, jazz, and opera. Jacques Demy (June 5, 1931 – October 27, 1990) was a French director and screenwriter. He appeared in the wake of the French New Wave. His films are well known for their sumptuous look, drawing on Hollywood musicals, fairy tales, jazz, and opera.