FILM IN FOCUS: The 400 Blows

In the final sequence of François Truffaut’s The 400 Blows (1959), an extraordinarily long tracking shot of Antoine on the run concludes with a celebrated freeze frame.

Discussion Questions

After watching this clip from The 400 Blows, consider the questions below. Then submit your response.

Question

1. The length and simplicity of this sequence make it surprisingly difficult to interpret. How does it elicit moments of identification? How does it cognitively challenge us to make sense of it in terms of other films we have seen?
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Question

2. The final freeze frame of Antoine staring into the camera was highly unusual at the time. What does the freezing of the frame achieve? How do you read or interpret the expression on his face?
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