Born in Paris in 1932, he became a pivotal figure in the French New Wave cinema movement. Initially a film critic, he transitioned to directing with his debut feature, "The 400 Blows" (1959), which won international acclaim. Known for his semi-autobiographical storytelling, he directed classics like "Jules and Jim" (1962) and "Day for Night" (1973). His work often explored themes of love and human relationships. He passed away in 1984, leaving a lasting impact on world cinema.