How does a master filmmaker perceive the evolution of cinema through the lens of his own personal viewing history? François Truffaut, a central figure of the French New Wave, compiles a curated selection of his critical essays written for Cahiers du Cinéma and other publications. He utilizes his dual perspective as both a practitioner and a critic to analyze the works of his contemporaries and predecessors, establishing a framework that prioritizes the director's vision and the emotional resonance of the medium.

Critics and film scholars frequently cite this collection as a vital primary source for understanding the aesthetic values of the French New Wave. Readers often note the accessible, informal tone of the prose, which balances technical insight with a deep, infectious enthusiasm for the art of filmmaking.