“The 400 Blows”
“The 400 Blows” is a film made by director François Roland Truffaut. It has become one of the most influential movies in the French New Wave. The protagonist, Antoine Doinel, played by Jean-Pierre Léaud, does a perfect job of illustrating the essence of the movie. “The 400 Blows” has become one of the most classic movies in film history. It is also a movie about growing up which is full of sincerity and honesty. The reasons to show this movie are because of its essence and its cinematography.
First, it is a story about a growing teenager, Antoine Doinel. His life in the school, family, and prison demonstrate his resistant attitude towards his frustrating life. Antoine Doinel is a pure boy; however, neither of his parents seem to care about Antoine's life. In school, the teacher does not like him, and he is the one who always get punishments. On top of that, one day while ditching school, he is shocked to unexpectedly see his mother dating her secret lover on the street. All these things give Antoine Doinel tremendous pain. It is not easy to imagine the suffering that he bears. Thus, Antoine's parents and teacher's irresponsibility attitude are the causes that drive him to be rebellious. Demonstrating a child's mentally healthy life is build upon people's concern .
Furthermore, his parents do not know how to communicate with him, and his teacher does not trust him. His father slaps his face after finding out that Antoine tells a lie. Antoine also tries to do something right to prove himself, which is write an essay in Balzac style, however his teacher says he is a cheater after reading the essay. No one shows love or care to Antoine. He gains no respect from both his parents either his teacher. He is treated as a troublemaker. In retrospect, the repressed school, the incompetent teacher, and the dilapidated home are nightmares for Antoine. In French, the phrase 400 Blows means if you hit a bad child four hundred times, this child will turn into a good one. Therefore, the hittings and parents' ignoring him are the original sources that push Antoine into the reformatory.It is also an appeal that child need more care and attention from their parents. Parents should listen to their child's explanation when they do something wrong, rather than stand on the side of the teacher. Child needs parents' love and communication in order to grow happily and healthily, but not hit.
Finally, the most unique and classic part of “The 400 Blows” is its use of long shot. At the beginning of the movie, the streets of Paris are shot and the set of the protagonist's wandering life is shown. This point out the main plot of the movie. At the end of the movie as well, there is a very famous long shot where Antoine escapes from the prison and runs towards the ocean. The camera shows him running for up to a few minutes and we may automatically wonder why the long shot lasts for such a long time. At this point, we realize that the purpose of the shot is not only for the plot, but also to illustrate Antoine Doinel's ecstasy in having freedom. Outside the prison, he sees the azure sky and the magnificent ocean. He has told his friend that he has never seen the ocean before, this time his dream comes true.The famous final shot freezes at Antoine's face at the end, in his eyes we could see the confusion he has. He has seen the ocean. But what should he do next? and what is his future? Antoine does not know. Uncertainty is waiting ahead of him. He is able to see the ocean and the sky, but still feel lost. Hence, the shooting of this movie perfectly portrays Antoine's life and his confusion, and shows us the importance of camera work. In some extent, the shooting plays an essential role in expressing the spirit of a movie.the shooting of this movie perfectly portrays Antoine's life and his confusion, and shows us the importance of camera work. In some extent, the shooting plays an essential role in expressing the spirit of a movie.the shooting of this movie perfectly portrays Antoine's life and his confusion, and shows us the importance of camera work. In some extent, the shooting plays an essential role in expressing the spirit of a movie.
In conclusion, “The 400 Blows” is a fabulous movie. Although many years have passed, the essence and the effects of the movie never fade. It is still a classic which can inspire any audience. The final shot at the end of the movie illustrates the value of camera work. Therefore, the reasons of showing “The 400 Blows” are the classic shooting and the essence of the movie that the director is trying to tell.
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