David Maysles was an influential American documentary filmmaker, best known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a pioneer of the direct cinema movement, which emphasized capturing real-life events as they unfolded without interference from the filmmaker. Maysles collaborated with his brother, Albert Maysles, to create iconic films such as Grey Gardens and Salesman. Maysles' style focused on intimate storytelling and character-driven narratives, allowing audiences to connect deeply with his subjects. His films often explored themes of human experience and social issues, making significant contributions to the field of documentary filmmaking. Maysles' work continues to inspire filmmakers today.