Film classics prefer to conjure up these feelings while driving in an open car: to the coast, along the shore, with a view of the wide sea. Jean Louis Trintignant and Anouk Aimee fall in love with Deauville as Un homme et une femme.
Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway in The Thomas Crown Affair enjoy their togetherness on Crane Beach in Massachusetts. Cary Grant and Grace Kelly kiss for the first time on the switchbacks above the rooftops of Nice. The secret protagonist in each case: the vehicle.
Hollywood’s new star
This is also the case in this story, which also takes place on the Côte d’Azur. The special car in question that takes us there: a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. Wide radiator grille, noble chrome parts, elegantly rounded fenders, perfect styling. The sports car legend has enjoyed cult status for almost 60 years. From the very beginning, Hollywood contributed to this worldwide notoriety.
As soon as the first models with the star and the signature “Sport Leicht” appeared in the USA, they began to receive film offers. The SL became the dream car for the dream factory. The stars – among them Grace Kelly and Cary Grant – liked to show themselves privately in the SL. At that time, our vehicle, in black paint, belonged to Ruth Pinnau, grande dame of Hamburg society and wife of the architect Caesar Pinnau. He had equipped Aristotle Onassis’ famous yacht Christina O and later rebuilt the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes.
Law of attraction
There, in what is probably the noblest inn in the south of France, the hero of our story is now drawn to: Jude Law, acteur extraordinaire and Sexiest Man Alive. The occasion is a discreet date with a beautiful stranger. But in this case, the anticipation of it begins with the journey. Through the picture-book landscapes of the south of France, our gentleman driver steers his roadster over the winding roads of the Alpes-Maritimes.
For real driving pleasure, it goes uphill and downhill, over viaducts and gorges, past imposing rock faces. Wherever it passes, you turn around for the distinctive man – or alternatively for the glittering chrome 190 SL. Jude Law drives confidently, focused. The thirst for adventure that he may feel on this road trip is not noticeable. Effortless and calm, Law embodies the connoisseur who knows how to live the Mediterranean Dolce Vita – at least since his role in The Talented Mr. Ripley earned him an Oscar nomination in 1999.
A man of character
The secret behind it: passion for profession. In addition to his undoubted talent and outrageously good looks, it is discipline and work that have made the London-born actor what he is today: one of Hollywood’s most sought-after male performers and part of the international jet set. But he never made it easy for himself, always looking for the challenge of complex, even uncomfortable roles. In between, he is regularly on stage in London or on Broadway. To ground yourself. To be with his family.
You can also feel that in conversation. Jude Law is a smooth operator yet charming and uncomplicated. A man who has found his center. That’s what makes him independent, and you can see it in him – a new King of Cool, like Steve McQueen once did. This matter-of-factness is palpable right down to the smallest, unintentional gestures: how he unties his tie while driving, how he hypnotically fixes on the road, how he lets the steering wheel of his SL slip through his fingers.
The spirit of extravagance
Finally, behind the last bend, the sea. From here it is only a stone’s throw to Antibes, the meeting place of the rich and famous. The driveway to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is almost unrealistically romantic, and the 190 SL completes the picture. Jude Law strolls through the pine-covered park directly to the jetty next to the pool, the agreed meeting point of his rendez-vous. The panorama: sea and sky in bright blue, kissed by the magnificent light of the south of France.
At the end of the jetty, a stunning motorboat. What unknown beauty is waiting in it, hidden under her broad sun hat, we cannot recognize. But Jude Law, with his – only hinted at – mischievous look, jacket thrown over his shoulder, slightly open shirt and self-confident, unagitated step is pure nonchalance. That’s exactly what makes it so sex-appealing. For us, this is not the case. But who can resist this combination?
Jude Law
Jude Law discovered his profession at an early age. He appeared on stage for the first time at the age of 14. Since then, the series of his awards has not stopped. This man can play just about anything, and is considered an irresistible cast for casual elegance.
His professional and social commitment speak for themselves. Jude Law has long since proven that he doesn’t just look stunning, but has more to offer: cleverness, assertiveness and finesse. Just a man with class.
Peter Lindbergh
He was also called the poet of glamour: As a photographer, Lindbergh had a knack for creating relaxation on set with his magnanimous friendliness, with models and celebrities alike. Formerly living in Paris, Arles and New York, he came to photography in 1971 in a roundabout way: and it was love at first sight.
Today, he not only photographs world stars, but is one himself. As a passionate cinema lover, he stages Jude Law on his journey in the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL with echoes of famous film scenes: from Hitchcock’s Over the Rooftops of Nice to the driving scenes of Steve McQueen. Peter Lindbergh passed away in September 2019.
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL
From 1955 to 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was the epitome of a cultivated lifestyle. Many of its sporty styling elements are based on its “big brother”, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL: the front mask, the bumpers, the front headlights and the shape of the bonnet. As an export hit to the USA, the SL series soon became a welcome guest in Hollywood productions.
And that remained the case with the successor models. Whether as a fast-paced getaway car, stylish companion, desirable thief’s prey or seductive gift – to this day, all SL generations play in countless films and cult television series. They are often much more than decorative accessories – they quickly attract everyone’s attention and become the hero of the plot themselves.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
The hotel has become an icon in its own right. During the Cannes Film Festival, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc was and is a real magnet for Hollywood’s top ranks. The atmosphere then has a bit of a class reunion for Oscar winners. What they appreciate so much about the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is the discretion, the unique service, the delicious food at star level and, last but not least, the unbeatable location.
In the summer of 1931, Stefan Zweig wrote in the guest book: “Grateful for the sky, landscape and silence around this blessed house.” This is how many of the loyal regulars feel, even far away from the hustle and bustle of the film festival. Year after year, they come with their children and grandchildren to spend an unforgettable time in this idyll.
