**David Lean (1908-1991)** was an influential British director, screenwriter, and editor, universally recognized for his narrative and visual mastery. He began his career as an editor, later distinguishing himself as a director with works ranging from intimate dramas to large-scale epics.

His style is characterized by a grandiose cinematic vision, breathtaking landscapes, complex characters, and profound psychological insight. Lean was renowned for his meticulousness and his ability to balance spectacular action sequences with moments of intense humanity.

Among his most important and award-winning films are epic blockbusters like **"The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957)**, **"Lawrence of Arabia" (1962)**, and **"Doctor Zhivago" (1965)**, for which he won numerous Academy Awards, including two for Best Director. He also directed acclaimed, more intimate and dramatic works such as **"Brief Encounter" (1945)** and the literary adaptations **"Great Expectations" (1946)** and **"Oliver Twist" (1948)**.