Born in Paris in 1906 and died in 1960, Jacques Becker was an assistant to Jean Renoir before directing his own films. His work is notable for its attention to gestures and daily life, its friendships and its humanity, and he was admired by the young critics of the French New Wave. Casque d'Or (1952), a period love story in the Parisian underworld, and Touchez pas au grisbi (1954), which restored the career of Jean Gabin, are two highlights. His last film, Le Trou (1960), a prison-break story with non-professional actors, was finished just before he died at 53.
Filmography
- Goupi Mains Rouges (1943)
- Falbalas (1945)
- Antoine and Antoinette (1947)
- Rendezvous in July (1949)
- Édouard et Caroline (1951)
- Casque d'Or (1952)
- Touchez pas au grisbi (1954)
- Montparnasse 19 (1958)
- Le Trou (1960)