Serge Roullet

Directing

Born 1926-07-06 · Bordeaux, Gironde, France · Died 2023-02-14

Serge Roullet was a French film director and screenwriter known for his thought-provoking works. Born in Bordeaux, he experienced a tumultuous adolescence during the German occupation of France in World War II. At 20, Roullet committed to a career in cinema, undertaking various roles to master the art of filmmaking. He served as an assistant director to Robert Bresson on The Trial of Joan of Arc (1962), which significantly influenced his minimalist style. Roullet's directorial debut, The Wall (1967), adapted from Jean-Paul Sartre's short story, was entered into the 17th Berlin International Film Festival. His filmography includes Benito Cereno (1971), based on Herman Melville's novella, and Le Voyage étranger (1992). Roullet's films are characterized by their philosophical depth and exploration of human freedom.