The Declic Years

The Declic Years (Les Annees declic, 1984) is an autobiographical documentary in which photographer and filmmaker Raymond Depardon reflects on the first twenty years of his career, from 1957 to 1977. Using a minimalist structure-his face in close-up, voice-over narration, and a succession of black-and-white photographs and archival footage-Depardon retraces his journey from his rural childhood on his parents' farm to his emergence as a major photojournalist and filmmaker. He recounts his early struggles in Paris, his work for photo agencies, and his assignments around the world, including coverage of political events and conflicts. Beyond a personal memoir, the film also offers a portrait of the golden age of photojournalism and the social and historical changes of the period, seen through Depardon's intimate and reflective gaze.