MovieChat Forums > Les quatre cents coups (1959) Discussion > Great Film - But I Don't Know Why!

Great Film - But I Don't Know Why!

posted 11 years ago by ToonRaider
8 replies | jump to latest

I really enjoyed this film. However, it left me with a couple of questions that I'm not sure the director would have intended. Or would he?

I was able to fully immerse myself within the bleak, depressing reality of Doinel's life, while somehow remaining emotionally neutral. Why? Did anyone else have this 'issue', was that the desired effect? Or is it just me?

In retrospect I'm unable to explain my admiration for this film. I don't think I appreciated the the ending, since I'm not sure what I'm supposed to take away from it. Was it a conclusion? It was a long, bounding run to freedom that ended abruptly with an ambiguous, apprehensive look into the audience's eyes. It was almost shocking because it was so unexpected. Is Antoine looking at me? A pursuer?

What does it all mean?!

Or am I over thinking this film?

"I am not young enough to know everything"

[–] bts1984 11 years ago

I don't have the same emotional issue you have with the film.

As for the ending, I love it as it is. It really is one of the most amazing endings in a movie ever. It is a unique ending, as well as very inspiring. When Antoine looks at the camera, they "freeze" the image probably to confuse the viewers or at least catch them by surprise. However, I do remember reading that Antoine is breaking the fourth wall when he looks to the audience the way he does.

«I was on the fire escape! I saw ya!»

[–] schumithecat 11 years ago

spoilers

I take the ending that he has a look of determination, that he still had his spirit, wasn't afraid, etc.

in a short film antoine and collette (available on some dvds of 400 blows) they say he was later recaptured and sent to a more secure facility.

[–] AtoZ2014 7 years ago

I agree. My thought is that Antoine was going to face the future, whatever it proved to be, with spirit.

I may read that into the film though. The shot itself is ambiguous.

[–] lubin-freddy 11 years ago

In many ways the very nature of freedom. Running into an abyss, your turn around, and face life coming after you. An eternal dilemma, that's never solved (although one IS able to find a balance, albeit, at a price).

People hungry for the voice of god
Hear lunatics and liars

[–] thomassmccallum 11 years ago

I interpreted it as Antoine running for freedom only to find, as he reaches the water, that there's no escape from the mess he's made of his life. That look in his eyes says it all.

"Hey, Buster hit her. I just gave her the roofie."

[–] lubin-freddy 11 years ago

Yes, it's as I wrote above - this is the great existential dilemma of us all.

People hungry for the voice of god
Hear lunatics and liars

[–] bnwfilmbuff 8 years ago

This is a great movie because it transcends time and borders. This movie speaks to anyone who ever had a rebellious nature or dared not to conform to the norms of society or challenge authority. It is even more poignant today in our zero tolerance society. What's especially interesting here is that Doinel is more a victim of circumstances to begin with and then tries hard to assimilate but his attempts are rejected by unfortunate circumstances, an uncompromising teacher and hardened parents. The scene with the students following the jogging teacher steadily abandoning him throughout the streets of Paris to me signified that many of us want to veer off the path once and a while; unfortunately for Doinel he gets caught at the wrong times and places. Doinel is not a bad kid and yet ends up unable to find any sympathy or guidance.

The acting, direction, scoring, and cinematography were all superb. The ending for me is an enigma.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

good point