Louis Malle (1932-1995) was an influential French film director, screenwriter, and producer. Often associated with the Nouvelle Vague (French New Wave), while maintaining a personal style, he debuted with the film noir *Ascenseur pour l'échafaud* (1958) and *Les Amants* (1958), a film that caused a scandal due to its audacity.

Malle distinguished himself through his exploration of controversial and morally ambiguous themes, often centered on complex human relationships and the transition to adulthood. Among his most significant works are *Le Souffle au cœur* (1971), *Pretty Baby* (1978), and the dramatic *Atlantic City, U.S.A.* (1980), which was filmed in the United States.

The culmination of his career is often considered to be *Au revoir les enfants* (Goodbye, Children, 1987), an autobiographical and touching film about World War II. His eclectic style and profound sensibility allowed him to span various genres, leaving a legacy of intimate and reflective cinema.