“Paul Henley’s rich, well researched book offers the interdisciplinary approach to Jean Rouch’s career we have needed all these years. Both intellectual history and formalist analysis, this vibrant set of readings is packed with detailed information about the theories and practices informing Rouch’s films. Henley illuminates the work of a complex director who remains vitally important to anyone interested in anthropology, film studies, or French culture.”

Sam DiIorio, Hunter College, CUNY

“This is a splendid book—well researched, original, and lucidly written. I have no doubt it will become a classic: the single indispensable book on Rouch and his work. Henley provides a vast amount of information, detailed analyses of many of Rouch’s films, and above all a subtle and probing discussion of Rouch’s ‘praxis.’ The book is particularly illuminating as to Rouch’s working methods, which only a practicing filmmaker with a gift for analysis and a fund of personal experience could have carried off—a rare combination.”

David MacDougall, Australian National University