Only for my family and close friends.
François Truffaut
1932–1984 (aged 52), France A founding figure of the French New Wave, Truffaut’s films combine emotion and intellect, capturing the human experience with tenderness and style. His iconic works include The 400 Blows and Jules and Jim.
DIRECTORS
5/22/20251 min read
François Truffaut was one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century and a founding figure of the French New Wave. With his debut The 400 Blows (1959), Truffaut brought autobiographical sensitivity and narrative innovation to cinema.
He championed the auteur theory as a critic before becoming one himself. His work is known for its emotional depth, romanticism, and literary roots. Truffaut’s exploration of childhood, love, and the complexities of human relationships resonated internationally.
Jules et Jim (1962), a tale of a love triangle set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Europe, is considered one of the great romantic films of all time. Day for Night (1973), his love letter to filmmaking, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His legacy continues to inspire directors around the world.
Must-see films: The 400 Blows, Jules et Jim, Day for Night