The 400 Blows, released in 1959, solidified the emergence of the French New Wave by introducing the character Antoine Doinel. This directorial debut earned François Truffaut the Best Director award at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival, marking the start of a career that saw him transition from a polemical critic to one of the most significant figures in international cinema.
Early Influences and Criticism
Born in the 17th arrondissement of Paris in 1932, Truffaut spent his youth navigating a difficult home life, often finding refuge in theaters and literature. Following the advice of his mentor, André Bazin, he began writing for Cahiers du cinéma. In 1954, he published an influential article titled A Certain Trend of French Cinema, where he criticized mainstream industry practices. He eventually pioneered the auteur theory, which argued that a director should function as the primary creative force of a motion picture.
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Truffaut frequently explored recurring characters, most notably through the Antoine Doinel series. Spanning several films including Stolen Kisses, Bed and Board, and Love on the Run, this cycle mirrored the maturation of actor Jean-Pierre Léaud. Beyond this series, he explored various genres, directing titles such as Shoot the Piano Player, Jules and Jim, The Soft Skin, and Two English Girls. He also collaborated on the screenplay for Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, a milestone for the New Wave movement.
Homage and Later Recognition
A devoted admirer of Alfred Hitchcock, Truffaut published a book-length interview with the director in 1966. This fascination with suspense and technique influenced his later work, including The Bride Wore Black, Mississippi Mermaid, and his final film, Confidentially Yours. In 1973, his film Day for Night earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Film. By 1981, his professional standing was cemented with a César Award for Best Director for The Last Metro.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 February 1932, 17th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 21 October 1984, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Burial place: Montmartre Cemetery
- Primary movement: French New Wave
- 1973 Award: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director
- 1981 Award: César Award for Best Director
- 1981 Award: David di Donatello Luchino Visconti
- Acting role: Scientist in Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Questions readers ask
What is the auteur theory promoted by Truffaut?
It is the perspective that a film's director acts as its true author, maintaining a distinct style and thematic consistency across their body of work.
Where is François Truffaut buried?
He is buried at Montmartre Cemetery in Paris.
Achievements
- Worked as film director, film producer and film critic
