The 400 Blows - Francois Truffaut (1959)

I went to see this at the Revue Theatre. There was a lecture on French new wave cinema before, then a viewing of this movie. The lecture was very interesting, and talked about a lot of the movies and directors that are on 'the list'. It was also interesting to hear about why these films and filmmakers are important and influential. 

So the film....

I had mentioned in my posting for 'Children of Paradise' that the only other French film I had seen was 'Jules et Jim' in University (which I didn't like at all). Well, that film was by Francois Truffaut. Needless to say....was a bit hesitant to see another one of his films. I think the movie gods were smiling on me with this film. The opening scene (where the credits are rolling) is basically of the Eiffel Tower. It's 2 minutes of various shots and perspectives of the tower. Having been to Paris and been to the tower and loved it...there wasn't much else that Truffaut could have done to sell me on this movie from the start. 

It was a great movie. A story of a boy who is viewed as a troublemaker, and his parents don't really have time for him and send him away to be dealt with by the authorities. The title (according to Roger Ebert) is an idiom meaning 'raising hell'.  The movie is based on Truffaut's early life, the main character being his alter ego. 

During the course of the film, you really get to understand the boy, and to care about him. I don't want to spoil the ending, but it's kind of dramatic and leaves you hanging. 

I am glad I saw this movie, and glad that I liked it and Truffaut (and French cinema) has been redeemed for me.

One word to describe 'The 400 Blows': Engageant.