400 blows

When you hear of the “French New Wave” movement, or hear references to the New Wave era, usually people are referring to one of two people. The French New Wave movement is in my opinion, the most important stage in filmmaking
history. In a time where budget, as well as human rights were nonexistent, filmmakers such as Jean-Luc Goddard and Francois Truffaut looked past the obstacles and made some of the most influential films of all time.
Francois Truffaut was born on February 6th, 1932 in Paris, France. By the time he reached the age of seven, he was visiting the local cinemas up to four or five times a week. Francois was very smart, but was not a very good student. By the time he was fourteen, he left school for good to begin working. One night at a club, he met Andre Bazin, a French critic. Andre helped him understand the true meaning of cinema and began to educate Francois on the filmmaking process and history.
Andre allowed Francois to come along with him on various filmmaking shoots, errands, and premiers, and finally, in 1954, Francois Truffaut released his first sort film, an original piece of work unlike anything being circulated around France at the
time, a short film that would launch his filmmaking career into an influential level.On November 16th, 1959, Francois Truffaut released in my opinion, his most influential film of all time, “Les Quatre Cents Coups”, or “The 400 Blows.” This film is
about a French boy in his early teens named Antoine. Antoine is having trouble in his studies, as well as at home. Antoine is upset because his teacher singled him out from the entire class and punished him for his criticism and views. His mother is
always fighting with her husband, causing tension and awkwardness at home. As Antoine sleeps one night, he slides down deep into his sleeping bag and secretly sees his mother having an affair. His mother made him sleep on a small cot near the back door of the apartment, where he has a perfect view of the doorway, as well as the stairs. After seeing this, Antoine disregards his mother’s teachings and begins to start a life of mischief, blaming his teacher and his mother for his misfortunes. Antoine is always caught after every crime he commits, often because of his friend Rene. Antoine eventually steals a typewriter from his stepfather’s work, plotting to pawn it for a few dollars. On his way to drop off the typewriter, Antoine, as well as Rene are caught and apprehended by the police.
Antoine is sentenced to do minor time in a juvenile detention center, but is soon released. His mother labels him incorrigible and unmanageable and sends him to a work camp by the sea. Antoine has never seen the sea, and doesn’t like the
fact of going back to his mother as much as she doesn’t, so he eventually accepts the offer to work by the sea. While Antoine works, he begins to talk to a psychiatrist, telling him his true problems with his mother and family. He tells the doctor that he
was actually raised by his grandmother, and that his mother never wanted a child at all. His grandmother told him that his mother wanted an abortion, and always regretted the fact of not getting one. One day, Antoine gets the courage to push past the guards and escape the work camp. He breaks free and begins to sprint towards the sea. As he reaches the
sea, he slowly walks into the sand, turning around and staring into the camera as he
stands on the beach for the very first time.This film is both influential and memorable because of the style that it was
written in, as well as directed. Francois Truffaut shows many facets if his own life in this film, setting the tone for Paris, as well as all of France for the next decade. Francois Truffaut’s lack of budget and professional equipment gave hope to other aspiring filmmakers and artists, and the people’s positive reaction to their work launched a new wave of artists and filmmakers throughout France, as well as the world.