Renowned Film Studies Scholar David Bordwell Passes Away at 76
David Bordwell, a distinguished film studies scholar known for his insightful and accessible writing on the intricacies of moviemaking, passed away on February 29 at his home in Madison, Wisconsin. He was 76 years old.
Bordwell, who taught at the University of Wisconsin for three decades, authored over 20 books, including the widely used textbook “Film Art: An Introduction,” co-written with his wife, Kristin Thompson. Even after retiring in 2004, he continued to analyze films on his blog and in videos for the Criterion Channel.
Described by Roger Ebert as “our best writer on the cinema,” Bordwell’s approach to film analysis focused on the technical aspects of filmmaking, such as scene structure and shot angles, rather than delving into social or political themes.
In one of his blog posts analyzing David Fincher’s “The Social Network,” Bordwell dissected the facial expressions of a character to illustrate the nuances of emotion conveyed through subtle cues in filmmaking.
Known for his vast knowledge of movies, Bordwell was a dedicated cinephile who appreciated a wide range of films, from summer blockbusters to art-house classics. Colleagues regarded him as a walking encyclopedia of cinema, with an unparalleled memory for details about every film he had ever seen.
Born in upstate New York in 1947, Bordwell’s passion for movies was ignited at a young age, fueled by his voracious reading on the subject. He pursued his academic studies in film, eventually meeting his future wife, Kristin Thompson, while studying at the University of Iowa.
Throughout his career, Bordwell made significant contributions to the field of film studies, publishing works like “The Classical Hollywood Cinema” and “Narration in the Fiction Film.” Alongside his wife, he co-authored “Minding Movies,” a collection of their blog posts that aimed to offer fresh insights and provoke thoughtful discussions about the art of cinema.
Bordwell’s legacy lives on through his profound impact on filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike, with his keen observations and analytical approach shaping the way we understand and appreciate the art of filmmaking. He is survived by his wife and sisters, leaving behind a lasting influence on the world of cinema.
