THE CINEMATIC LEGACY

OF
ANDRE BAZIN
(1918-1958)
 INTRODUCTION
André Bazin is a renowned French film
critic and theorist who played a
significant role in the development of
film studies as an academic discipline.
His work laid the foundation for the
development of film theory and
criticism in the mid-20th century.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
André Bazin was born on April 18, 1918, in
Angers, France. Growing up in an
intellectual environment, he developed
an early interest in literature and arts.
He studied at the Sorbonne, where he
befriended future filmmakers such as
Jean Renoir and Jacques Becker.
Bazin’s exposure to the vibrant
intellectual and artistic atmosphere of
1930s Paris played a crucial role in
shaping his perspectives on cinema
 INFLUENCE OF CINEMA

Bazin’s fascination with cinema began

during his adolescence, and he became
an avid cinephile. He was particularly
drawn to the works of Italian neorealists
like Roberto Rossellini and Cesare
Zavattini, who portrayed life with
authenticity and a documentary-like
approach. This exposure to neorealism
deeply influenced Bazin’s later
theoretical writings.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CINEMA
Bazin’s contributions were crucial in
shaping the trajectory of film theory
and criticism. His emphasis on realism
and his rejection of excessive
manipulation in filmmaking challenged
prevailing notions of montage and
formalism. His writings provided a
theoretical framework for later
movements like the French New Wave.
THE BIRTH OF CAHIERS DU CINÉMA

Bazin co-founded the film magazine

“Cahiers du Cinéma” in 1951, along with
Jacques Doniol-Valcroze and Joseph-
Marie Lo Duca. The magazine became a
significant platform for the
development of film theory and
criticism, featuring contributions from
future filmmakers and critics like
François Tru aut, Jean-Luc Godard,
and Claude Chabrol. The magazine
became a platform for auteur theory
and critical discourse.
REALISM AND FILM AESTHETICS
Bazin championed the idea of cinematic
realism, arguing that cinema’s unique
ability to capture reality through the
long take and deep focus made it an
inherently realistic medium. He believed
that the photographic image and the
absence of manipulation such as
montage contributed to the authenticity
of film.

“Montage...chops the world up into little

fragments, and disturbs the natural
unity in people and things.”
ONTOLOGY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC
IMAGE
In his essay “Ontology of the
Photographic Image,” Bazin explored
the philosophical implications of
photography and film. He argued that
the photograph has a unique
ontological relationship with reality,
preserving a trace of the actual world.

We know that under the image revealed

there is another which is truer to reality
and under this image still another and
yet again still another under this last
one, right down to the true image of
reality, absolute, mysterious, which no
one will ever see.
 THEORIES

Realism in Cinema: Bazin’s most

enduring contribution is his insistence on
cinema’s ability to capture reality. He
believed that the long take and deep
focus allowed for a more faithful
representation of the world.

Cinematic Language: Unlike proponents

of montage theory, Bazin argued for a
more objective and less manipulative
cinematic language. He valued
techniques that preserved the integrity
of the filmed image.
 INFLUENCE ON
FRENCH NEW WAVE

Bazin’s ideas greatly influenced the

filmmakers associated with the French
New Wave, including François Tru aut,
Jean-Luc Godard, and Éric Rohmer. His
emphasis on realism and the liberation
of the camera influenced the New Wave
directors’ rejection of traditional studio-
bound filmmaking in favor of location
shooting and a more spontaneous
approach. He emphasised on the
creative freedom of directors and the
celebration of individual style.
 LEGACY IN CINEMA

André Bazin’s legacy is profound and

enduring. His writings continue to be
studied and discussed in film schools
around the world. The “Cahiers du Cinéma”
magazine, which he co-founded, became a
breeding ground for innovative filmmakers
who transformed the landscape of cinema.
The emphasis on realism and the
exploration of film’s ontological nature
remain key areas of study in film theory.

Despite his untimely death at the age of 40

in 1958, Bazin’s ideas have left an indelible
mark on film scholarship, and his influence
persists in shaping discussions on the art
and nature of cinema
 CONCLUSION

Bazin’s influence on international cinema

and his legacy in film cultures is beyond
France. His ideas have resonated with
filmmakers and scholars worldwide,
shaping diverse cinematic traditions.

Reflecting on the enduring impact of

Andre Bazin’s cinematic legacy and his
profound influence on film theory and
criticism. His ideas continue to shape the
way we perceive and analyze cinema.