There are, on
occasions, films that come along that I find
myself feeling inadequate when it comes to
writing a review. For a multitude of reasons, I
find myself at a loss for words...unable to
express my ideas, thoughts, feelings, opinions
or simply my film-going experience. Francois
Truffaut's 1959 film "The 400 Blows" is such a
film.
"The 400 Blows" deals, essentially with the life
of Antoine, a 14-year-old boy who falls through
the cracks of society through abuse and neglect.
Truffaut's natural direction is a master stroke
for this film as it intrigues, moves and emotes
without histrionics or the intense drama that
often accompanies such a film. Antoine is, in
fact, a normal child in most ways...he is
neither a complete angel or a total brat. He is
a child...a normal child trying to develop
without the parental support and guidance
essential to the process.
The film details, tragically, the painful loss
of childhood and is one of Truffaut's most
personal films. It is enveloped in stunningly
beautiful cinematography, smart/essential
direction and poignant performances from the
entire cast.
I truly wish I could sit here and write this
incredible, intellectual essay about this film.
I can't...I simply can't. It moved me too much
to approach it from an intellectual or even a
truly critical standpoint. It is not,
essentially a "perfect" film BUT it is, without
fail, a mind-blowing and essential film. Nearly
50 years later, "The 400 Blows" remains relevant
to a world that still mistreats its children and
still struggles to make sure that everyone has a
place to belong.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
Truffaut's
hand is clearly recognizable here. He
really has a directorial signature that is hard
to miss. "The 400 Blows" is one of those
films that virtually all will appreciate in some
way or another. And that memorable final
shot... well, it stays with you for a long
while.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
