A Fantastic Look At Teenage Angst
I find it difficult to talk to my peers about this film - they only see it as a old, boring French film with really long, boring takes that go nowhere. I couldn't disagree with them more. The literal coldness of the film (it obviously takes place in the winter season) matches the chilliness of Antoine's parents and teachers, who completely misunderstand and label him as a misfit. There seems to be no hope for Antoine, as even when he earnestly attempts to become a better student, his attempts are shot down by his teacher and reported to his parents, who deride him for fooling them once again. Even though it sounds like a real downer of a film, there are a few comedic touches here and there, and the ending (controversial to my classmates) speaks volumes without saying anything at all. I'm shocked to find that this is Truffaut's debut film, and I'm curious to see the rest of his oeuvre, as this is the first film of his that I've seen. Genius filmmaking.