The 400 Blows is a 1959 movie directed by Francois Truffaut.
The 400 Blows tells the story of Antoine, a 14-year old who suddenly finds himself drifting through life. Disconnected from his family and friends, Antoine turns to lying and stealing and eventually finds himself in a juvenile detention center.
Truffaut’s first feature excels on several levels. There is immense beauty in the stark, honest environment that breeds Antoine’s angst. The look of the movie is gritty but gorgeous – even in its most confining spaces. The emotional nuances of the acting are superb – the child actors convey a rich depth of confused innocence while the adults project a vicious callousness.
Yet the lasting effect of The 400 Blows is heartbreak.
The movie’s most powerful moment is a split second reaction when Jean-Pierre Leaud’s Antoine is visited by his mother at a juvenile detention center. Antione’s mother, played by Claire Maurier, clinically reports that his father has “washed his hands of you.”
Leaud’s Antoine is blindsided. His tenuous grasp at family has been ripped apart. Yet, he stomachs the news – along with his mother stating that the neighbor’s gossip prevents her from bringing Antoine home.
However, the biggest blow delivered to Antione could be his friend Rene denied entry to see him.
Antoine’s encounter with his mother provides clarity to his disheveled life. The movie’s final scene is a triumph of sorts, as Antoine achieves both a temporary and possible permanent freedom. His story rivals Truffaut’s life, as the director was a failed student and delinquent who was saved by art. Antoine’s discovery of Balzac and subsequent plagiarism thus serves as a bit of hopeful symbolism.
However, the journey to this understanding is plagued with frustration.
Maurier and Albert Remy are outstanding as Antione’s parents. Remy’s Julien is the more light-hearted idealist who dreams of racing while Maurier’s Gilberte is a bitter realist. Their interactions are tense and centered on disappointment. Gilberte thinks Julien is stupid for wasting his time on racing. Julien replies: “you have no sense of humor.”
Each actor conveys a sense of desperation in their scenes. Maurier portrays Gilberte as trapped in a tiny apartment with a family she doesn’t truly love. She lashes out at her fate: “we’ll send him to the Jesuits or Army orphans. At least I’ll have some peace and quiet.” She’s seeing another man, which likely isn’t a well-kept secret.
Maurier is dominating at times over the softer-edged but exasperated Remy. Remy’s Julien offers empty humor mixed with short bursts of anger. He appears more of a casual acquaintance than father – a role he eventually resigns.
Of course, the movie belongs to Leaud.
There is a simplicity in his performance that is overwhelming. There’s never a moment when Leaud’s acting feels forced. He reacts naturally – as only a 14-year old could. Despite his turbulent existence, Leaud’s Antoine discovers the freedom of the streets at night. Leaud shows the viewer a sense of wonder in the terrifying unknown.
But the most amazing aspect of Leaud’s performance is that The 400 Blows feels like a documentary. Throughout the movie, I forget that Leaud is acting. He delivers an outstanding performance that has become timeless.
The BEST – The Bachelor Pad
The scenes with Antione and Remy chugging wine, smoking cigars and playing backgammon represent the greatest freedom a teenage boy could ever experience. Although the moments are fleeting, there is such immeasurable joy found here.
The BEST Part 2 – Guerrilla Filmmaking
One of my favorite aspects of French New Wave movies are the rolling cameras capturing real Paris city streets and sounds – including unsuspecting bystanders. This is one of those small details nearly impossible to recreate in today’s technologically omnipresent world.
The BEST Part 3 – The Round Up
Truffaut indulges himself, showing off some fun tricks shooting Antoine on the gravity-defying ride. The scene is appealing technically, but also reminds us we’re watching a kid have some fun.
The WORST – “You and I Can Share Some Little Secrets.”
Maurier’s Gilberte is a scene stealer. She extracts empathy while clearly revealing herself as manipulative. After wanting Antoine gone, she attempts to bring him back – dangling the truth of her extramarital affair.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.5/5
The 400 Blows is an exceptional piece of art and portrait of lost youth. The acting is exceptional, as Maurier and Leaud deliver unforgettable, heart-wrenching performances. A must watch.
