Jean Epstein

Key figure of the Impressionist school who arrived on the film scene with the 1921 publication of "Bonjour Cinema", a collection of essays celebrating the medium in lyrical, poetic style.

Epstein made his directing debut with "Pasteur" (1922) and then signed a ten year contract with Pathe. After several films including the Balzac adaptation "L'Auberge rouge" (1923) and the exceptional, photographically sophisticated "The Faithful Heart" (1923) he dissolved the contract, forming his own production company, Les Films Jean Epstein, in 1926.

Epstein is perhaps best known for his inspired adaptation of Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" (1928). His sister Marie (born 1899) worked closely with him as well as directing several films of her own.