He was one of the leaders of New Wave cinema. His works are often characterized by experimental editing techniques and an unconventional dramatic form. His films include A bout de souffle/Breathless 1959, Vivre sa Vie/It's My Life 1962, Weekend 1968, Sauve qui peut (la vie)/Slow Motion 1980, and Je vous salue, Marie/Hail Mary 1985. His other films include Pierrot le fou 1965.