One of the most prolific directors to come out of the Cahiers du cinéma stable, Claude Chabrol is considered the founding father of the Nouvelle vague. His first features are recognized by there independent production values, locational shooting, and unrecognizable young stars while the films primarily focused on a youthful, indifferent sub-culture. The first to depart from the New Wave theories and existential themes, Chabrol would eventually define his preferred niche with dark crime/murder thrillers. His work as a cinematic craftsman found comfort bridging to this, more mainstream, genre that dealt with morals, compromise, murder and guilt. Often pigeon-holed as "the French Hitchcock" Chabrol still remains widely overlooked by North American audiences. His films are often characterized as having uncomfortable, startling or improbable twists that define the narrative climax. The best of his work is reminiscent of the classics of both Lang and Hitchcock.

Suggested Reading

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Claude Chabrol (French Film Directors)
by Guy Austin

 Director - Select Feature filmography and Review links:

Comedy of Power (2006), The Bridesmaid (2004), La Fleur du mal (2003), Merci Pour le Chocolat (2000), The Color of Lies (1999), Rien ne Va Plus (1997), La Cérémonie (1995), L'Enfer (1994), The Eye of Vichy (1993), Betty (1992), Madame Bovary (1991), Docteur M. (1990), Story of Women (1988), The Cry of the Owl (1987), Masques (1987), Inspecteur Lavardin (1986), Poulet au vinaigre (1985), The Blood of Others (1984), Violette (1978), Blood Relatives (1978), Alice (1977), Innocents with Dirty Hands (1975), Pleasure Party (1975), Nada (1974), Wedding in Blood (1973), Dr. Popaul (1972) Ten Days Wonder (1971), Just Before Nightfall (1971), La Rupture (1970), Le Boucher (1970), This Man Must Die (1969), La Femme infidèle (1969), Les Biches (1968), Le Scandale (1967), Who's Got the Black Box (1967), Line of Demarcation, (1966) Ophélia (1963), Blue Panther (1965), Bluebeard (1963), The Third Lover (1962), Les Bonnes femmes (1960), A Double Tour (1959), Les Cousins (1959) Le Beau Serge (1958)