The 400 Blows

Definition

The 400 Blows is a groundbreaking 1959 French film directed by François Truffaut, which marks a significant entry into the French New Wave movement. It tells the story of a young boy named Antoine Doinel, who struggles with a troubled home life and societal rejection, capturing the essence of adolescent rebellion and the search for identity. The film is notable for its innovative narrative style, use of real locations, and the poignant realism it brings to its portrayal of youth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 400 Blows was François Truffaut's first feature film and is considered one of the defining works of the French New Wave.
2. The title refers to the French expression 'faire les quatre cents coups', meaning to raise hell or to lead a wild life, which reflects Antoine's rebellious actions throughout the film.
3. Truffaut's use of innovative techniques, such as jump cuts and breaking the fourth wall, helped redefine narrative structures in cinema.
4. The film features real locations in Paris, enhancing its authenticity and connection to the urban experience of youth during that era.
5. The 400 Blows received critical acclaim and won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1959, solidifying its place in film history.

Review Questions

• How does The 400 Blows exemplify the characteristics of the French New Wave movement?
  • The 400 Blows exemplifies French New Wave characteristics through its innovative storytelling techniques and departure from conventional narrative forms. Truffaut employs jump cuts, handheld camera work, and real locations to create a raw and immersive experience that captures the essence of youth. These stylistic choices reflect the movement's focus on personal expression and experimentation, distinguishing it from mainstream cinema.
• Discuss the significance of Antoine Doinel as a character within The 400 Blows and how he embodies themes of adolescence.
  • Antoine Doinel serves as a powerful representation of adolescent struggle and rebellion in The 400 Blows. His character navigates a troubled family environment and societal indifference, highlighting the feelings of alienation many young people face. Through Antoine's experiences, Truffaut explores themes such as identity, freedom, and the quest for belonging, making him an iconic figure in cinematic history.
• Evaluate how Truffaut's innovative techniques in The 400 Blows influenced future filmmakers within and beyond the French New Wave.
  • Truffaut's innovative techniques in The 400 Blows significantly influenced future filmmakers by challenging traditional narrative structures and encouraging greater artistic freedom. His use of real locations, non-linear storytelling, and techniques like breaking the fourth wall inspired a new generation of directors to explore personal and experimental storytelling. This approach not only shaped subsequent movements like independent cinema but also impacted global filmmaking trends, promoting authenticity and emotional resonance in storytelling.

Related terms

French New Wave:

A film movement that emerged in the late 1950s in France, characterized by its rejection of traditional filmmaking conventions and emphasis on experimentation, personal expression, and new storytelling techniques.

Antoine Doinel: The protagonist of The 400 Blows, whose journey reflects themes of alienation and the struggles of adolescence, serving as a semi-autobiographical character for Truffaut.

Cinematic Realism: A style of filmmaking that aims to depict everyday life in a truthful and unembellished manner, often employing natural lighting, non-professional actors, and location shooting.