David Bordwell, 1947 – 2024

His passion for film knew no bounds. Whether it was posting on his blog or writing one of his countless books on film history in all its facets together with his wife Kristin Thompson, his fiery enthusiasm blazed strong and we were happily carried away by his combination of humor and wisdom. Labels like "art" or "commercial" film were foreign to him. He was far more interested in everything merging into a whole. Only then did he start exploring and delving deeper into distinctions and details. As a productive researcher, engaged teacher, and passionate cinephile, he brought countless colleagues, students, and film lovers closer to the sheer inexhaustible artistic possibilities of the medium. Anyone who is active today in the fields of academia, museums, or the arts would do well to follow Bordwell and Thompson's example: they proved that a deep understanding for something should also be tied to accessibility and that a good, readable text can be more important than strenuous technical jargon. 

In June 2019, he and Kristin Thompson stopped by our offices while on their way to their next festival. Always in a good mood, he wrote a brief entry in our guestbook: "A paradise of Cinephilia!" David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson.

We have fond memories of his visit and will miss him terribly! (E.S.)
 
The Team of the Film Museum, March 2024