Malle was known for his attention to detail in depicting real-life settings and characters. His films often featured ordinary people in everyday situations, providing a glimpse into their lives with a sense of authenticity. For example, in "Au revoir les enfants" (1987), Malle drew upon his own childhood experiences during World War II to create a deeply personal and realistic portrayal of life in a French boarding school.  Malle often incorporated documentary-style techniques into his narrative films, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. This approach lent an added layer of authenticity to his storytelling, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the subject matter. In "My Dinner with Andre" (1981), for example, Malle used long takes and natural lighting to create an intimate, conversational atmosphere, allowing the audience to feel as though they were eavesdropping on a real dinner conversation.