Norman McLaren

Reproduction of a letter dated October 18, 1973 from filmmaker François Truffaut addressed to Norman McLaren. The document is evidence of the esteem in which François Truffaut held McLaren.

The document is in French.

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Translation:

The Beverly Hills Hotel
and Bungalowa
Beverly Hills - California

L. A., October 18, 1973

Dear Sir,

I was able to see your recent works Spheres, Synchromy, Pas de deux and Ballet Adagio at the NFB. I was astonished and also very moved. What you are doing is unique in the world and unique in the history of film. I had tears in my eyes watching your films, and I felt like a very heavy filmmaker indeed seeing your dancers en slow motion but in strong émotion.

I was delighted when Mlle Kermoyan gave me a print of one of your drawings, of 3 beautiful birds. I would like to wish you courage but you are the bravest of filmmakers. I would like to wish you luck and great happiness but you are yourself creating luck and happiness.

I can only wish you good health and a safe return to work and tell you, humbly but with great conviction, that I admire you for what you are doing and for the person you are.

We met about ten years ago at the Festival de Montréal, and so I will sign, sincerely yours,

François Truffaut