Raymond Depardon’s Documentary Confrontations with Power

The New Yorker

by Richard Brody

February 19, 2026

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Raymond Depardon’s Documentary Confrontations with Power: A Retrospective at Lincoln Center Showcases His Unique Filmmaking Style Raymond Depardon, a French filmmaker known for his unflinching documentaries that explore power dynamics, law, and human struggle, is the focus of a major retrospective at Film at Lincoln Center. The series highlights his masterful ability to capture behind-the-scenes moments in high-stakes environments, offering profound insights into social conflict and inner turmoil. Depardon’s work often centers on access to systems of power, whether it be legal proceedings, political campaigns, or medical evaluations, creating tension that energizes his artistic form. His films are not just observational; they confront the viewer with uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal structures. Depardon’s career is marked by precocity and versatility. Born into a farming family in eastern France in 1942, he began his journey as a photographer at a young age, building a darkroom in his family’s attic. By 16, he was working as a freelance photographer in Paris, despite warnings that his lack of formal education might limit his opportunities in cinema. Over time, he transitioned to filmmaking, using his photography skills as a foundation

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/19/2026