"Films can only be made by by-passing the will of those who appear in them, using not what they do, but what they are"

Robert Bresson, a noteworthy French film director, frequently stressed the deep, intrinsic nature of cinema beyond its superficial visuals and performances. In this quote, Bresson highlights a philosophical approach to filmmaking that diverges from traditional storytelling, focusing instead on recording the essence of individuals instead of simply their actions or scripted performances.

When Bresson discusses "by-passing the will of those who appear in them", he suggests that movie transcends the conscious intents and performances of actors. Unlike theater, where stars task emotions and characters in front of a live audience, film can explore the much deeper, often unconscious aspects of human behavior. Bresson believed that true movie theater doesn't rely on theatrical gestures or traditional performing; instead, it seeks credibility by capturing the authentic existence of its subjects. This technique includes observing the natural, uncontrived moments that expose more about an individual than purposeful acting ever could.

The phrase "using not what they do, however what they are" underscores his belief in the power of subtlety and authenticity in filmmaking. Bresson often worked with non-professional actors, whom he referred to as "models", to remove away the performative layers and reveal something naturally genuine and raw. He aimed to capture the spontaneity and unpredictability of real life, recommending that an individual's essence is more compelling than any determined expression or narrative.

In this context, Bresson's filmmaking becomes a practice of deep observation, where the director serves as a conciliator, unobtrusively extracting the subconscious truths of individuals. His films are meditative, emphasizing state of mind, tone, and the internal states of characters instead of external dramatics. This approach welcomes audiences to engage with films on a more reflective level, looking for meaning in the silence, pauses, and subtleties of human experience. Eventually, Bresson's philosophy suggests that cinema has the power to expose extensive facts about human nature, going beyond the constraints of scripted action to discuss universal truths.