Ah! Bliss! Last night, after having dinner with my boyfriend I strolled up the road to the local music and DVD shop and chanced upon my idea of heaven: the complete Adventures of Antoine Doinel! Lucky me! I knew it was a find when I showed my boyfriend and he just said "Do you want some money for it?" That's his short hand for "Buy it immediately!"
Anyway, back to Antoine. For those of you who don't know, Antoine Doinel is the lead character in four movies made over a 20 year period by Monsieur La Nouvelle Vague himself, Francois Truffaut. The first film in the series, Les Quatre Cents Coups (1959) or The 400 Blows is an utter gem of a movie that is still heartbreakingly charming and insightful 50 years after it was made. It is also drop dead gorgeous to look at. That's Truffaut mid-shoot for The 400 Blows above.
The 400 Blows is a semi-autobiographical story about a feisty young boy, Doinel, whose unstable and indifferent parents lead him to rebellion in the form of skipping school and spending his days in the cinema amongst other things. He eventually ends up in a juvenile home as a result.
The three other Antoine Doinel movies: Stolen Kisses (1968), Bed and Board (1970), Love on the Run (1979) and the short film Antoine and Colette (1962) continue to follow the life of Antoine and all star the same actor Jean-Pierre Leaud. It's interesting to watch him grow older actually! It's a bit like a fictional Seven Up!
There is a lovely short piece written by Martin Scorsese for Time magazine here that I recommend you read as it gives a terrific overview of why Truffaut is one of the most important film makers of the 20th Century. Here is a very good biography of Truffaut and his life.
Finally, I leave you with a quote from the man himself which sums up his philosophy about film making:
I demand that a film express either the joy of making cinema or the agony of making cinema. I am not at all interested in anything in between.
Have a lovely weekend one and all!
Awesome buy dear Sam!!! I'm such a fan of Antoine Doinel. The 400 Blows was one of those films that sort of changed my life... very much a cliché, I know, but it's true :) I haven't seen the whole collection though. Such a handsome face too... :D
Posted by: Gabbi | August 01, 2009 at 04:35 PM
some of these are not on netflix...booo...
Posted by: Diana | August 01, 2009 at 05:16 PM
thank you so much for such an interesting post. it is perfect: the composition, the pics, and links(!) to further reading.
we enjoyed reading it and are now more motivated than ever to watch the movie set. :-)
Posted by: O'Dasor De | August 01, 2009 at 08:39 PM
He is a remarkable film maker...studied a little about him when I was in school. if not mistaken, he was also enamoured with Alfred Hitchock &even wrote a book about him?! Both facinating men, seldom we find passionate people like them these days! Enjoy a great weekend, Sam! ~xo*
Posted by: lenorenevermore | August 01, 2009 at 11:57 PM
oooh, these definitely sound like a set of films i could get into.
have a great weekend!
Posted by: Down and Out Chic | August 02, 2009 at 12:47 AM
Wow and wow. I sooo need to hunt down a copy of 400 Blows!! Hope you're having a beautiful weekend dear :)
Posted by: dapper kid | August 02, 2009 at 01:13 AM
Dear Gabbi - it is a life changer isn't it! If you haven't seen the whole collection then that really is something to look forward to! Lucky you! XX
Oh! That's no good Diana - what about DVD? No?
Thank you so much O'Dasor De! They really are worth while seeing - a completely delightful set of films to be sure!
Yes! Lenore - Hitchcock was his favourite and he did a very famous interview with him and it was published in a book. He was quite the fan of his work - he had lots of references to Hitchcock in his films.
I think you'd love them Christina - being the arty gal that you are! Something to look forward to!
Have a great weekend too DK! I think you'd enjoy these films for the fashions alone actually!
Posted by: Sam | August 02, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Oh, they sound lovely!
I never hear of those movies, but id love to see them(i enjoyed watching the '7 up' show, interesting).
Unfortunately the dvd rentals around where i live are really crap and full of stupid hollywood bs from the last 5 years, its frustrating, there is not enough art house/old movies around, most of the new commercial movies are SO crap!!
Posted by: lyptis | August 02, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Oh yeah! Dinner with a sweetheart followed by some French New Wave goodness is a perfect evening! The 400 Blows is a masterpiece, and you scored well at shop. I must keep an eye out for that DVD set. Hope you've had a super weekend Sam. Maybe even some sunshine is Sydney? Hope so :)
Posted by: Tracy | August 02, 2009 at 06:04 PM
That quote at the end! It's such a creative artist thing to say ;) Tehehe. Sounds like true shopping serendipity for you. Enjoy.
Posted by: ondressingup | August 02, 2009 at 07:28 PM