400 Blows Review

400 Blows
400 Blows is a wonderful rollercoaster ride with twists and turns. The film begins with a heart-warming song while panning the streets of France, setting the tone of a light and cheerful experience. This is one of many fantastic scenes directed by Francois Truffaunt. Also working as the writer and producer, Francois created a glorious movie using multiple aspects of film
Truffaunt used numerous aspects of literature in his film. Similar to literature, symbols were used to create depth in 400 Blows. When walking on the beach, the ocean washed Antoine’s footprints in the sand away. Thus symbolizing his past life leaving, and starting fresh. Another feature parallel with literature is characters. The mother (played by Gilberte Doniel) was portrayed as a cold-hearted woman, and as the film progressed she became suspiciously caring, almost as if she didn’t care about Antoine at all.
The things that separate movies from books are dramatic aspects. The various actors in the film played their parts exceptionally well. The teacher was very notable as a great actor. Guy Decomble’s performance was so good that I felt like he was scolding me when yelling at Antoine. In additional to characters, props are an important aspect of drama. Henri Decaë did a fabulous job through the film. I especially liked his placement of shabby rags in the house as Antoine and his father discussed how they had little money.
Last but no least are Cinematic aspects of film. 400 Blows uses mixes and matches of long shots and camera angle to enhance the scene. As the boys ran through the streets, the camera view slowly drifted upwards to give a whole shot of the streets and stores that the boys hid in, creating a brilliant shot. Another instance is when Antoine runs away from the correctional center. The shot lasts for over a minute giving the viewer a feeling of how long he has to travel, and serious he is about running away.
400 Blows and Black Boy have similarities and differences. Both Richard and Antoine are considered Rebellious. Richard doesn’t accept whites “supremacy” over blacks, and Antoine steals (milk, typewriter). They also believe it’s morally wrong to steal. Antoine steals a typewriter, but feels poorly about it and tries to return it. Richard noticed that is friends would all steal, but he said that wouldn’t get him anywhere. A difference between the two is how Richard craves to learn more and more but he couldn’t afford school most of the time. Antoine stops going to school and starts stealing when his family can take the burden of him going to school.
In my personal opinion, 400 Blows is a film that everyone ought to see. The literary aspects like characters and symbols create a fantastic and beautiful story, as the dramatic aspects draw a vivid picture of each scene for you to witness. The cinematic aspects enhance every scene in the movie to a point where I felt I was in the film. 400 Blows is a must see.