Wolfgang Petersen, director of 'Air Force One' and 'Das Boot', has died

He leaves behind major blockbusters of the 1990s. German director Wolfgang Petersen, notably known for his films

and

and for having directed world stars such as Clint Eastwood, George Clooney, Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt , died of pancreatic cancer at age 81.

The man who enjoyed success in 1983 with two Oscar nominations for

, a thriller whose plot takes place aboard a submarine during the Second World War, died at his home in Los Angeles in the arms of his wife, a spokesperson said.

The following year, his first English-language film was released,

, an adaptation of a children's literature success recounting the adventures of a young boy who steals a novel from a bookstore, before being propelled into the history of the work.

Action movies and disasters

He then directed action films, notably

, with Clint Eastwood and John Malkovich, and then

, with Harrison Ford who plays an American president who tries to regain control of the taken presidential plane. held hostage by terrorists.

A cardboard worldwide, which collected nearly 350 billion dollars at the box office.

Like his friend Roland Emmerich, he tries his hand at disaster film with

, with George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg.

Despite Brad Pitt's muscular calves, his

peplum leaves a taste of unfinished business, four years after

.

Actress Glenn Close, who played alongside Harrison Ford in

, told AFP in a statement that being directed by Wolfgang Petersen "remains a special memory".

“Even though the script was thrilling and incredibly intense, I remember lots of laughs, especially during the scenes around the huge table in the War Room,” she said.

"My memory is that of a man full of

(in French in the press release) who did what he liked to do the most," said the actress.

• Culture