Henri Langlois, Turkish-French historian, co-founded the Cinémathèque Française (b. 1914)

Henri Langlois (French: [lɑ̃glwa]; 13 November 1914 – 13 January 1977) was a towering figure in the annals of cinema, renowned as a pioneering French film archivist and an ardent cinephile. His profound dedication not only revolutionized film preservation but also indelibly shaped the critical discourse and artistic direction of global cinema.

Langlois's vision was instrumental in an era when film was often seen as mere ephemeral entertainment, not a lasting art form worthy of systematic preservation. He championed the idea that every film, regardless of its commercial success or critical reception, held intrinsic value as a document of culture and history.

The Birth of Film Preservation: Cinémathèque Française and FIAF

Langlois's most enduring legacy is inextricably linked to the institutions he co-founded, which became cornerstones of film archiving worldwide.

• The Cinémathèque Française: In 1936, Langlois, alongside Georges Franju and Jean Mitry, established the Cinémathèque Française in Paris. This groundbreaking institution was conceived not merely as a repository for films but as a living museum, where rare and forgotten works could be collected, preserved, restored, and, crucially, screened. At a time when studios routinely destroyed film prints after their theatrical run – especially nitrate film, which was highly flammable and prone to degradation – Langlois tirelessly rescued countless cinematic treasures from oblivion. His unorthodox yet passionate methods often involved acquiring prints from diverse sources, sometimes at personal risk, driven by an unwavering belief in film's cultural significance. His vital collaboration with the Cinémathèque's longtime Chief Archivist, Lotte Eisner, was pivotal in meticulously safeguarding these vast collections and documenting film history in the challenging post-war era.
• The International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF): Recognizing the global imperative for film preservation, Langlois co-founded the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) in 1938. This organization provided a much-needed international framework for film archives, fostering collaboration, standardizing preservation techniques, and facilitating the exchange of prints and knowledge among institutions worldwide. FIAF remains a vital coordinating body for film preservation efforts across the globe.

Catalyst for Artistic Movements: Auteur Theory and the French New Wave

Langlois's influence extended far beyond the physical act of preservation. His discerning curation and relentless screening schedule at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris throughout the 1950s ignited a fervent intellectual and artistic movement. These legendary screenings, often featuring obscure films, retrospectives of forgotten masters, and comparisons of different versions of a single work, cultivated a new generation of film critics and filmmakers.

• The Genesis of Auteur Theory: The eclectic programming at the Cinémathèque provided the crucial context and comparative material that fueled the ideas leading to the development of the "auteur theory." Young cinephiles and critics, who would later become prominent figures of the French New Wave, regularly congregated at the Cinémathèque. They included luminaries such as François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Claude Chabrol, Eric Rohmer, and Jacques Rivette. Through exposure to a vast spectrum of films, they began to discern recurring thematic and stylistic patterns in the works of certain directors, arguing that a director's vision could be as distinctive and personal as that of a novelist or painter. This elevated the director to the status of a primary author, or "auteur," of the film.
• Fueling the French New Wave: Langlois's commitment to showcasing both canonical and unconventional films profoundly influenced the nascent French New Wave. By providing unparalleled access to the history of cinema, he equipped these young filmmakers with a comprehensive understanding of cinematic language and tradition. His institution served as a de facto film school, fostering a spirit of critical inquiry and artistic rebellion that defined the New Wave's innovative approach to filmmaking.

A Force of Nature: Controversies and Enduring Legacy

Langlois was known for his eccentric personality and often unconventional methods, which occasionally placed him at the center of controversy. His passionate, intuitive approach to archiving, sometimes at odds with more systematic methodologies, led to what became known as "The Langlois Affair" in 1968, when the French government attempted to remove him from his position at the Cinémathèque. This move sparked an unprecedented outcry from filmmakers, actors, and intellectuals worldwide, including major figures like Charlie Chaplin, Jean Renoir, Orson Welles, and Alfred Hitchcock, who publicly rallied in his defense. The immense pressure ultimately led to his reinstatement, underscoring the deep affection and respect he commanded within the global film community.

In 1974, Langlois's unparalleled contributions were formally recognized with an Academy Honorary Award. The citation perfectly encapsulated his life's work: "for his devotion to the art of film, his massive contributions in preserving its past and his unswerving faith in its future." His legacy continues to inspire archivists, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide, ensuring that the magic and history of cinema endure for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henri Langlois

What was Henri Langlois primarily known for?

Henri Langlois is primarily known for his pioneering work in film preservation and his co-founding of the Cinémathèque Française and the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). He was also a pivotal figure in shaping cinematic culture and influencing the development of the auteur theory and the French New Wave.

What is the Cinémathèque Française?

The Cinémathèque Française is a renowned French film archive and museum, co-founded by Henri Langlois in 1936. It is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and screening films from around the world, making cinematic history accessible to the public and future generations.

How did Henri Langlois influence the French New Wave?

Langlois influenced the French New Wave by providing crucial access to a vast and diverse collection of films through his screenings at the Cinémathèque Française. This exposure fostered a deep understanding of film history and technique among young critics and filmmakers, inspiring them to challenge traditional cinematic norms and develop innovative approaches to storytelling.

Why was film preservation so critical during Langlois's time?

Film preservation was critical during Langlois's time because early film prints, often made from highly flammable and unstable nitrate stock, were rapidly deteriorating or being deliberately destroyed by studios after their commercial runs. Langlois recognized the urgent need to save these films, which he viewed as invaluable cultural and artistic heritage, from being lost forever.