# Robert Bresson

> French film director (1901–1999)

**Wikidata**: [Q55391](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55391)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Bresson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/robert-bresson

## Summary
Robert Bresson was a French film director (1901–1999) known for his minimalist and poetic approach to cinema, which influenced generations of filmmakers. His work, characterized by long takes, naturalistic storytelling, and deep psychological insight, remains a cornerstone of modern filmmaking.

## Biography
- Born: September 25, 1901
- Nationality: France
- Education: Affiliated with Lycée Lakanal
- Known for: Pioneering the "cinema of the real" with films like *Au hasard Balthazar* (1966)
- Employer(s): Lycée Lakanal
- Field(s): Film directing, screenwriting, painting

## Contributions
Robert Bresson directed and co-wrote several influential films, including:
- *Au hasard Balthazar* (1966) – A landmark film in the "cinema of the real," known for its long takes and naturalistic storytelling.
- *Diary of a Country Priest* (1951) – A poetic and introspective film exploring themes of faith and human nature.
- *Pickpocket* (1959) – A minimalist crime drama that won the Louis Delluc Prize.
- *A Man Escaped* (1956) – A prison drama that received critical acclaim.
- *Mouchette* (1967) – A film about a young girl’s life in a Parisian orphanage.

He also received numerous awards, including:
- Louis Delluc Prize (1959)
- Cannes Best Director Award (1966)
- Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival
- Sutherland Trophy
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director
- European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
- René Clair Award

## FAQs
**What is Robert Bresson known for?**
Robert Bresson is known for his minimalist and poetic approach to filmmaking, which he pioneered as part of the "cinema of the real." His films, such as *Au hasard Balthazar* (1966), are celebrated for their long takes, naturalistic storytelling, and deep psychological insight.

**Where was Robert Bresson educated?**
Robert Bresson was affiliated with Lycée Lakanal, a secondary school in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, France.

**What awards did Robert Bresson receive?**
Robert Bresson received numerous awards, including the Louis Delluc Prize (1959), Cannes Best Director Award (1966), Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Sutherland Trophy, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director, European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the René Clair Award.

**What are some of Robert Bresson’s notable films?**
Some of Robert Bresson’s notable films include *Au hasard Balthazar* (1966), *Diary of a Country Priest* (1951), *Pickpocket* (1959), *A Man Escaped* (1956), and *Mouchette* (1967).

## Why They Matter
Robert Bresson’s work had a profound impact on cinema, influencing filmmakers who sought to capture the essence of human experience through minimalist storytelling. His films, such as *Au hasard Balthazar*, are considered classics of the "cinema of the real" and have inspired generations of directors. Bresson’s approach to filmmaking, characterized by long takes and naturalistic dialogue, remains a benchmark for modern cinema. His contributions to film theory and practice have left an indelible mark on the art form, shaping the way filmmakers approach storytelling and character development.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the "cinema of the real" with *Au hasard Balthazar* (1966)
- Winning the Louis Delluc Prize (1959) for *Pickpocket*
- Receiving the Cannes Best Director Award (1966)
- Being awarded the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival
- Receiving the Sutherland Trophy
- Winning the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director
- Receiving the European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Being honored with the René Clair Award

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Robert Bresson was born on September 25, 1901, in the town of Montrouge, near Paris, France. He attended Lycée Lakanal, a secondary school in Sceaux, Hauts-de-Seine, where he developed an early interest in art and film.

### Career and Directing Style
Bresson began his career in the film industry in the 1920s, working as a painter and later transitioning to filmmaking. His directing style was characterized by long takes, naturalistic dialogue, and a focus on psychological depth. He is often associated with the "cinema of the real," a movement that sought to capture the essence of human experience through minimalist storytelling.

### Major Films
Bresson directed several influential films, including:
- *Diary of a Country Priest* (1951) – A poetic and introspective film exploring themes of faith and human nature.
- *A Man Escaped* (1956) – A prison drama that received critical acclaim.
- *Pickpocket* (1959) – A minimalist crime drama that won the Louis Delluc Prize.
- *Au hasard Balthazar* (1966) – A landmark film in the "cinema of the real," known for its long takes and naturalistic storytelling.
- *Mouchette* (1967) – A film about a young girl’s life in a Parisian orphanage.

### Awards and Recognition
Bresson received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:
- Louis Delluc Prize (1959) for *Pickpocket*
- Cannes Best Director Award (1966)
- Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival
- Sutherland Trophy
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Director
- European Film Academy Lifetime Achievement Award
- René Clair Award

### Influence and Legacy
Robert Bresson’s work had a profound impact on cinema, influencing filmmakers who sought to capture the essence of human experience through minimalist storytelling. His films, such as *Au hasard Balthazar*, are considered classics of the "cinema of the real" and have inspired generations of directors. Bresson’s approach to filmmaking, characterized by long takes and naturalistic dialogue, remains a benchmark for modern cinema. His contributions to film theory and practice have left an indelible mark on the art form, shaping the way filmmakers approach storytelling and character development.

### Personal Life and Death
Robert Bresson passed away on December 18, 1999, in Paris, France. His legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and artists around the world, ensuring that his contributions to cinema remain relevant and influential.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.kinotv.com/page/actual.php?y=1907&q=bornyear&ordr=n&l=en)
3. BnF authorities
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. www.acmi.net.au
6. [Source](https://bertrandbeyern.fr/50-tombes-de-realisateurs-dans-le-monde/)
7. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-1994.79.0.html)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Robert Bresson. RKDartists
12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
13. GeneaStar
14. Roglo
15. Munzinger Personen
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Quora
18. DACS register
19. The Movie Database
20. LIBRIS. 2012
21. ADAGP directory
22. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
23. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
24. performing-arts.ch