Born Maurice Henri Joseph Schérer in Tulle, France, Rohmer began his career as a novelist and teacher before transitioning into film criticism. He became a pivotal figure in French cinema as the editor of the influential journal Cahiers du cinéma from 1957 to 1963, where he helped shape the theoretical foundations of the French New Wave alongside contemporaries like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut.

Rohmer is best known for his structured film cycles, such as the Six Moral Tales and the Comedies and Proverbs, which utilize minimalist aesthetics to focus on the nuances of conversation and romantic longing. His work is characterized by a literary sensibility, often featuring protagonists who grapple with internal conflicts and the gap between their intentions and their actions.

While his primary legacy remains his contribution to 20th-century European cinema, his influence continues to be felt in global film culture. His body of work remains a staple of international retrospectives and academic study, cementing his status as a master of the observational, character-focused narrative.