Who Is Robert Bresson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Robert Bresson was born on September 25, 1901, in Bromont-Lamothe, France. He is regarded as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema, celebrated for his unique style and profound philosophical explorations through film. His career spanned several decades, during which he directed masterpieces such as "Au Hasard Balthazar" and "Pickpocket". Bresson's minimalist technique has influenced generations of filmmakers, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of French New Wave cinema.
In 2025, Robert Bresson would have celebrated his 124th birthday. Sadly, he passed away on December 18, 1999, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and scholars alike.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 25, 1901 |
| Age | 98 Years |
| Birth Place | Bromont-Lamothe, France |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 18 December, 1999 |
| Died Place | Droue-sur-Drouette, France |
Popularity
Robert Bresson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Robert Bresson may not be widely recognized for his physical attributes, he was comparatively average in height, standing around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall during his younger years. Information regarding his weight is less documented, as his public persona predominantly focused on his cinematic work rather than personal attributes. Measurements like shoe size and other specifics remain elusive, as they were not of much interest to his life’s narrative.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bresson's personal life was as enigmatic as his films. He was known to be a private individual who often kept his family and relationships out of the spotlight. He was married to French actress Louise Bresson, with whom he shared several years of companionship. While specific details about his romantic relationships were not heavily publicized, Bresson's devoted passion for cinema often took precedence over personal relationships, reflecting in the thematic depth of his works.
In his development of auteur theory, François Truffaut lists Bresson among the few directors to whom the term "auteur" can genuinely be applied, and later names him as one of the only examples of directors who could approach even the so-called "unfilmable" scenes, using the film narrative at its disposal.
Jean-Luc Godard also looked upon Bresson with high admiration ("Robert Bresson is French cinema, as Dostoevsky is the Russian novel and Mozart is the German music." ) Screenwriter and director Alain Cavalier describes Bresson's role as pivotal not only in the New Wave movement, but for French cinema in general, writing, "In French cinema you have a
father and a mother: the father is Bresson and the mother is Renoir, with Bresson representing the strictness of the law and Renoir warmth and generosity.
All the better French cinema has and will have to connect to Bresson in some way."
Net Worth and Salary
Robert Bresson's estimated net worth at the time of his death in 1999 was around $10 million. His earnings primarily came from his successful career as a filmmaker, which included directing, producing, and writing. Although specific figures regarding his salary for individual projects are not widely documented, his films have generated significant acclaim and continue to garner attention and financial support through re-releases and retrospectives.
Career, Business and Investments
Bresson's career began in the 1930s, but it was post-World War II that he gained international recognition. He became known for employing non-professional actors, which added a unique authenticity to his films. As an auteur, his works often explored existential themes, morality, and the human spirit.
Some of his noteworthy films include:
Initially a photographer, Bresson made his first short film, Les affaires publiques (Public Affairs) in 1934. He enlisted in the French Army on the onset of World War II and was captured by the Germans in 1940 and held as a prisoner of war for more than a year; an experience which informed A Man Escaped.
In a career that spanned fifty years, Bresson made only 13 feature-length films. This reflects his painstaking approach to the filmmaking process and his non-commercial preoccupations. Difficulty finding funding for his projects was also a factor.
Social Network
Robert Bresson’s presence on social networks is virtually non-existent since he passed away before the rise of the internet and social media. However, there are numerous fan pages and cinema-related profiles dedicated to discussing his work and influence on film. His legacy continues to be celebrated through academic circles, where films are analyzed and dissected, preserving his memory for future generations.
Robert Bresson (25 September 1901 – 18 December 1999) was a French film director. Known for his ascetic approach, Bresson made a notable contribution to the art of cinema; his non-professional actors, ellipses, and sparse use of scoring have led his works to be regarded as preeminent examples of minimalist film. Much of his work is known for being tragic in story and nature.
Education
Bresson began his education in the arts early on, studying painting before transitioning into film. He attended the School of Fine Arts in Paris and later became involved in cinema production. His background in visual arts significantly influenced his filmmaking style, emphasizing aesthetics and composition directly reflected in his mature works.
With his 'model' technique, Bresson's actors were required to repeat multiple takes of each scene until all semblances of 'performance' were stripped away, leaving a stark effect that registers as both subtle and raw. This, as well as Bresson's restraint in musical scoring, would have a significant influence on minimalist cinema. In the academic journal CrossCurrents, Shmuel Ben-gad wrote:
