Truffaut really gets the visual language of filmmaking, this is a masterclass in blocking and framing. I think there’s about as much information communicated through subtle, visual clues as there is through dialogue. In terms of story I think it might just be one of the best character studies ever made. It provides a detailed portrait of how everyone is a product of their social environment by critiquing authoritarian teaching and parenting styles. It’s aged remarkably well, I didn’t find it to be slow or overacted whatsoever. Flamant’s performance might seem a little cartoonish and big, but it doesn’t feel farfetched for a story that takes place in the 50s. Léaud gives one of the best child performances of all time here, there’s a maturity and depth to his acting that you rarely see from kid actors. Sure, it might not be the easiest thing to watch because of its heavy, sad content matter, but juxtaposed to the score (which is very pleasant to the ears) the film becomes more digestible. It’s certainly easier to watch than _La Haine_ and the other 90s movies that were inspired by coming-of-age films like this. This has some lighter moments by comparison, though it should be noted that even those are often tinged with sadness and melancholy. My only real complaint comes with all the very noticeable audio replacement and ADR being used, which is due to technical limitations and tight budgets given to French New Wave films, but that doesn’t make it less distracting when you’re watching it. Overall, this is an exceptional, timeless film that everyone should watch, please don’t write it off out of fear for it being too old or dusty.

9/10

Jean-Pierre Léaud is super in this story of a troubled young lad who goes from having troubles at school to petty crime, all under the not so very watchful gazes of his adulteress mother (Claire Maurier) and happy-go-lucky father (Albert Rémy) who spend most of their time squabbling with each other. When his antics finally attract the attention of the police, they decide that maybe some time in juvenile detention might not do him any harm so off he goes - but he is not there for long! It's an episodic story that raises laughs and heckles in equal measure. You cannot help but like this tearaway. It's not so much that he wants attention (though he certainly does), it is that he is has initiative. He is bored; bored of his constantly rowing parents, of the teachers who don't really care about him. He is mischievous, he likes having fun - especially with his pal "René" (Patrick Auffay) with whom he has a few escapades and even lives for a short time. Theft is a serious matter but somehow when he pinches a typewriter from his dad's office - one that doesn't work, by the way, it has to make you smile. The ending features one of these scenes from a film that you will never forget. It is simple, and it's that simplicity coupled with this young boy's charming and enthusiastic performance that makes this film memorable, enjoyable and probably my favourite from François Truffaut.