In Memoriam: Remembering David Bordwell, a Legendary Film Scholar and Criterion Collection Contributor
David Bordwell, a renowned film scholar and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, passed away at the age of 76 after a long illness.
Described as a prolific researcher, dedicated teacher, and passionate cinephile, Bordwell played a significant role in raising awareness of cinema’s artistic possibilities.
Bordwell’s contributions to the Criterion Collection, including essays and interviews, have left a lasting impact on film enthusiasts and learners.
Damien Chazelle, an Oscar-winning director, credited Bordwell with shaping his understanding of filmmaking through groundbreaking works like “Narration in the Fiction Film.”
Bordwell’s collaborative textbooks with his wife, Kristin Thompson, such as “Film Art: An Introduction,” have been influential in the field of film studies.
His diverse body of work encompassed books on directors like Carl-Theodor Dreyer and topics such as cinematic staging.
Bordwell’s intellectual legacy has been praised for its ability to engage both scholars and general readers with passion and precision.
His contributions to film scholarship will continue to influence future generations of filmmakers, critics, and theorists.
