Les Quatre Cents Coups

It is unbelievable to think that this is François Truffaut's very first film, virtually launching French cinema's Nouvelle Vague. There are very few things to say about this movie that haven't already been said multiple times in pretentious French classes, other than it is simply amazing. The New Yorker came out with an article a while ago on Godard and Truffaut; apparently Les Quatre Cents Coups, the 400 Blows in English, is autobiographical. The main character, a so-called delinquent who watches movies instead of attending class, hated by all authority figures-- parents, teachers, strangers-- for reasons unknown, is based on Truffaut's troubled childhood. The kid's friend might be representative of long-time pal Godard, who came from the other side of the fence: an overly privileged lifestyle that he detests and ultimately rejects.

Landmark Theatres is obsessed with Godard. There are posters of his movies everywhere on the one on Clark and Diversey. I haven't seen any Godard yet, but what could really be better than this perfection? It's almost painful to watch little Jean-Pierre Leaud. And the music! And the cinematography! Those Frenchies sure know how to make good movies, huh? Note to self: when in Paris, indulge in cinema.