Henri Coutard

Henri Coutard was a French cinematographer noted for his significant contributions to the French New Wave (Nouvelle Vague) cinema. He is best known for his work with directors such as Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, and Jacques Demy, helping to define the visual style of the movement.

Coutard's innovative cinematography often involved natural lighting, handheld camera work, and location shooting, techniques which were a departure from the more studio-bound and formally lit films of the time. This approach lent a sense of immediacy and realism to the films, reflecting the New Wave's focus on contemporary life and character-driven narratives. He frequently used available light rather than artificial lighting, creating a more gritty and authentic feel.

Some of Coutard's most important films include: Breathless (1960), Shoot the Piano Player (1960), Jules and Jim (1962), Pierrot le Fou (1965), and Weekend (1967). His work on these films established him as a leading figure in the development of a new visual language in cinema.

Coutard's influence extends beyond the French New Wave. His techniques have been widely adopted by filmmakers around the world, contributing to a more flexible and realistic style of filmmaking. His contributions helped liberate filmmaking from the constraints of traditional studio practices and opened up new possibilities for visual storytelling. He died in 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important cinematographers in film history.