The 400 Blows aka Les Quatre Cents Coups Psychiatrist: Your parents say you're always lying. Antoine Doinel: Oh, I lie now and then, I suppose. Sometimes I'd tell them the truth, and they still wouldn't believe me, so I prefer to lie. Ahh, those glorious halcyon days of being an utter mischievous little sh#t.
And yeah, the trouble you get into for it.
Initially, since this is regarded very highly in many cinematic circles, I thought it'll be a good idea to share the experience with a couple of Movie Critics. At least, that's what they assured me they were when I paid for their movie tickets.
They did seem quite engaged during their viewing. I must say.
But, when I asked them to write up their thoughts, they ran off to steal a typewriter, and I haven't heard or seen of them since.
So. . .
This was Director François Truffaut's first full-length film, and it is said his most personal film. Having caused all kinds of trouble as a youth as well. And, having done very much the same myself, I was continually chuckling throughout this. Feeling relieved that I cheered them on instead of acting like a grumpy old codger complaining about the problems with youths.
One of my favorites being the gym coach that takes the boys out running in the city streets, and Truffaut uses a long shot from above displaying the dwindling number of students as they all sneak off, a couple at a time. Until the large group of some twenty or more kids was down to only two.
Like so many other scenes, this brought back all kinds of funny memories of similar incidents. Finding myself more and more involved as the film proceeded.
I paused once to research the writer, Honoré de Balzac, that Antoine (Jean-Pierre Léaud) pinned inside a small cupboard within their tiny apartment. Curious to see the connection and learning that Balzac had a love for the criminal element/To Live Wildly as well within his literature and personal life.
Having viewed this, I totally see how this film of a delinquent
by a delinquent won a Hall of Fame.
In short, BRAVO Truffaut!
And, BRAVO to whoever chose this for me!!