Robert Bresson
Robert Bresson: A Master of Cinematic Minimalism
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Robert Bresson was born on November 14, 1901, in Nancy, France. He is often referred to as the "father of cinematic minimalism" due to his innovative approach to filmmaking.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: November 14, 1901
Died: December 28, 1999 (aged 98)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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French filmmaker and screenwriter. Bresson was known for his unique style and philosophical approach to filmmaking.
Early Life and Background
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Bresson's early life was marked by a sense of disillusionment with the Catholic Church, which he had been raised in. He eventually left the church and began to develop an interest in art and photography. During World War I, Bresson served as a medic on the front lines, where he witnessed the harsh realities of war.
Major Accomplishments
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Bresson's major accomplishments include:
Developing the "anti-directorialist" style, which emphasized the importance of actor performance over directorial control.
Experimenting with non-professional actors and natural lighting to create a more authentic film experience.
Creating films that explored themes of spirituality, morality, and human nature.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Bresson's most notable works include:
A Man Escaped (1956): A drama about a prisoner who escapes from a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.
Pickpocket (1959): A crime drama that explores the world of petty thieves in post-war Paris.
Au Hasard Balthazar (1966): A drama that follows the life of a donkey from birth to death, exploring themes of morality and redemption.
Impact and Legacy
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Bresson's impact on cinema is still felt today. His innovative style and approach to filmmaking have influenced generations of filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Jean-Luc Godard.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Bresson is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful and thought-provoking quotes on the nature of film and human experience. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"The camera must be an eye, not a lens."
"Acting is not thinking about what you are doing; it's doing it without thinking."
Bresson's legacy extends beyond his films to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers around the world. His innovative approach to filmmaking continues to influence contemporary art and culture.
As we continue to draw inspiration from Bresson's work, we remember him as a true master of cinematic minimalism – an artist who pushed the boundaries of film and challenged our perceptions of human nature.
Quotes by Robert Bresson
Robert Bresson's insights on:

L’oeil superficiel, l’oreille profonde et inventive. Le sifflement d’une locomotive imprime en nous la vision de toute une gare.

Nothing more inelegant and ineffective than an art conceived in another art’s form.

The ear is profound, whereas the eye is frivolous, too easily satisfied. The ear is active, imaginative, whereas the eye is passive. When you hear a noise at night, instantly you imagine its cause. The sound of a train whistle conjures up the whole station. The eye can perceive only what is presented to it.

When a sound can replace an image, cut the image or neutralize it. The ear goes more towards the within, the eye towards the outer.

The future of cinematography belongs to a new race of young solitaries who will shoot films by putting their last penny into it and not let themselves be taken in by the material routines of the trade.




