Jean Renoir: A Master of French Cinema by Peniel Joseph

Jean Renoir (15 September 1894 – 12 February 1979) was a French film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is considered one of the most important and influential filmmakers of the 20th century. Renoir's films are characterized by their humanism, their lyrical beauty, and their exploration of social and political issues.

Renoir was born in Paris, the son of the painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He began his career in film as an actor, but he soon turned to directing. His first film, La Fille de l'Eau (1925),was a critical and commercial success. Renoir continued to make films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including such classics as Nana (1926),La Grande Illusion (1937),and The Rules of the Game (1939).

Jean Renoir: A Biography

by Peniel E. Joseph

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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During World War II, Renoir served in the French army. He was captured by the Germans and spent several years in a prisoner of war camp. After the war, Renoir returned to filmmaking. He made a number of films in the 1940s and 1950s, including The River (1951) and French Cancan (1954).

In the 1960s, Renoir retired from filmmaking. He spent his remaining years writing and painting. Renoir died in Beverly Hills, California, on 12 February 1979.

Early Life and Career

Jean Renoir was born in Paris on 15 September 1894. He was the son of the painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Renoir's father was a successful artist, and he provided his son with a comfortable upbringing. Renoir attended the Lycée Condorcet in Paris, where he studied literature and philosophy.

After graduating from high school, Renoir worked as a journalist and a ceramicist. He also studied painting at the Académie Julian. In 1913, Renoir made his acting debut in a film directed by his friend, Henri Diamant-Berger. Renoir continued to act in films throughout the 1910s, but he soon turned to directing.

Film Career

Renoir's first film as a director was La Fille de l'Eau (1925). The film was a critical and commercial success. Renoir continued to make films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including such classics as Nana (1926),La Grande Illusion (1937),and The Rules of the Game (1939).

Renoir's films are characterized by their humanism, their lyrical beauty, and their exploration of social and political issues. Renoir was a master of the ensemble cast, and he was able to create a sense of community and belonging in his films. Renoir's films are also notable for their use of natural light and their realistic depiction of everyday life.

During World War II, Renoir served in the French army. He was captured by the Germans and spent several years in a prisoner of war camp. After the war, Renoir returned to filmmaking. He made a number of films in the 1940s and 1950s, including The River (1951) and French Cancan (1954).

In the 1960s, Renoir retired from filmmaking. He spent his remaining years writing and painting. Renoir died in Beverly Hills, California, on 12 February 1979.

Legacy

Jean Renoir is considered one of the most important and influential filmmakers of the 20th century. His films are characterized by their humanism, their lyrical beauty, and their exploration of social and political issues. Renoir's films have had a profound impact on generations of filmmakers, and they continue to be studied and admired today.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Renoir was also a talented writer and painter. He wrote a number of books on film, including My Life and My Films (1974) and Renoir on Renoir (1989). Renoir also painted a number of portraits and landscapes.

Renoir's legacy is a rich and enduring one. His films, his writings, and his paintings continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

Jean Renoir was a master of French cinema. His films are characterized by their humanism, their lyrical beauty, and their exploration of social and political issues. Renoir's films have had a profound impact on generations of filmmakers, and they continue to be studied and admired today.

Renoir's legacy is a rich and enduring one. His films, his writings, and his paintings continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.

Further Reading

* Renoir, Jean. My Life and My Films. New York: Atheneum, 1974. * Renoir, Jean. Renoir on Renoir. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1989. * Bazin, André. Jean Renoir. New York: Da Capo Press, 1973. * Bordwell, David. Jean Renoir. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1989. * Ciment, Michel. Jean Renoir. New York: Rizzoli, 1980. * Durgnat, Raymond. Jean Renoir. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1974.

Jean Renoir: A Biography

by Peniel E. Joseph

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	85097 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1136 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE