Riding the Wave: 'The 400 Blows'

What defines French New Wave cinema? On the surface, it could be a specific energy and raw production aesthetic - jump cuts, freeze frames and raw, existential dialogue. But for the filmmakers responsible for some of La Nouvelle Vague’s most enduring films of the late 50s and early 60s, it’s much more, as they weren’t necessarily attempting to revolutionize modern cinema. Well, at least that’s the case for François Truffaut, a former juvenile delinquent who utilized his knowledge of classic French cinema and lesser-known American directors to create a distinctive style all his own. In 1959, Truffaut released his feature debut, The 400 Blows (Les Quatre Cents Coups), a semi-autobiographic film that blends style with substance, and directorial polish with narrative heart. Not only did this film transform French cinema, but it inspired a world of cinephiles with its visual language and powerhouse lead performance from a young Jean-Pierre Léaud. In this first episode of our series, Riding the Wave, we explore The 400 Blows, and its troubled adolescent protagonist finds solace in cinema, and how his life experiences form his worldview. Full disclosure: Truffaut and the Cahiers du Cinéma crowd who helped start the French New Wave (aka La nouvelle vague) inspired me to create my own film criticism outlet entitled Vague Visages.
Check out Fandor's collection of French films now available to stream. Stayed tuned for new episodes of Riding the Wave, coming soon. In the meantime, watch our odes to one of our favorite French masters, Agnès Varda, as we celebrate the beauty of her sounds and images.

[@ethan-os2xy]

CHILLS! Incredible work. The 400 Blows is my favorite movie of all time and I can't even explain how profound my connection with Antoine is -- it's just... magical and so powerful.

[@minivegana6516]

SAME HERE!!👏👏👏👏👏 I LOVE BEING AWAY FROM THE CROWD!!🙏💔

[@randomrabbitbits]

No need to explain. It’s well understood by everyone else who feels the same.

[@jacobdominguez7808]

One of the best movies of all time.

[@Kieran84ire]

I just watched this film, thanks for this video. It's short but sweet and nails down the essence of the film.

[@sonatawheels]

do you happen to know where I can watch it for free?

[@Kieran84ire]

I was able to download it through uTorrent. This is probably not the most legal way but it is certainly free. You'll need the uTorrent app, then go to a site like Pirate Bay. After that your only option is to buy or rent, through iTunes or Amazon.

[@JPRamirez99]

yourlouvre I saw it on HBO MAX (TCM)

[@alynag5332]

my favorite movie forever. It is just so beautiful, not only the cinematography but the story. Pure art. This movie is one of the many reasons I adore film

[@dana31335]

Brilliant film I've watched at least over 10 times exquisite

[@miguelzarate8145]

AMAZING

[@Michelle-je9jk]

Ah My favorite movie!!

[@johncase2408]

Masterpiece

[@Thomas-ky3rl]

I first watched it as a kid and loved it.

[@isabelneves1319]

Years...
Wish me good luck.

[@Dario-wc1cv]

amazing review

[@paulinecormary3375]

Great video!!

[@Privateportfolio-]

well said

[@kushshah4035]

What's the song used?

[@rendroaryo5387]

👍🏻

[@wladazlidesud3298]

Where 2 continue