Jacques Tourneur was a French-American film director known for his work in the horror and film noir genres. Born on July 12, 1904, in Paris, he moved to the United States in the 1920s. Tourneur gained recognition for his ability to create suspenseful atmospheres, particularly in films like Cat People and I Walked with a Zombie. Tourneur collaborated frequently with producer Val Lewton, who was known for his innovative approach to horror filmmaking. His style often emphasized suggestion over explicitness, allowing viewers' imaginations to fill in the gaps. Tourneur's influence can still be seen in modern cinema, particularly in the horror genre.