Influential film critic, leading New Wave director and heir to the humanistic cinematic tradition of Jean Renoir, Francois Truffaut made films that reflected his three professed passions: a love of cinema, an interest in male-female relationships and a fascination with children.

After a troubled childhood, Truffaut joined the French army, deserted and was sentenced to a prison term. Critic Andre Bazin helped secure his release and encouraged his interest in film. In Bazin's influential journal, CAHIER DU CINEMA, Truffaut published "Une Certaine Tendance du Cinema Francais" ("A Certain Tendency