The IRH remembers the contributions of David Bordwell (Senior Fellow, 1993-1998) Jacques Ledoux Professor Emeritus of Film Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. David Bordwell died on February 29, 2024 at the age of 76 after a lengthy illness. A prolific researcher, dedicated teacher, and passionate cinephile, he guided countless colleagues, students, and film lovers to heightened awareness of the medium’s artistic possibilities. “One thing that I loved and greatly admired about Bordwell was how – with passion, analytic precision and boundless enthusiasm for the medium – he carved out an inviting, sui generis intellectual space that could be enjoyed by scholars and general readers alike,” wrote New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis upon learning of his passing. “He was a paragon of scholarly achievement, yes and of course, but he was also a lot of fun to read – which isn’t something you can say of most academics.”
For more information about Professor Bordwell, click here.