FredEssay

Fred Robinson ENG 425 Film Studies July 15, 2013

Sequence Analysis: The 400 Blows “Puppet Show Sequence”

Francois Truffaut’s film The 400 Blows, or more specifically translated as “400 dirty tricks,” was a major part of the French New Wave movement. This film is considered a masterpiece due to the fact that it strays away from typical cinematic conventions. This is essentially the story of Truffaut’s life being told. In this coming of age tale of a 14 year old named Antoine Doniel, Truffaut focuses on the repulsive side of adulthood and the unwarranted abuse that many delinquent children face encounter during their process of assimilating to society. Though many scenes of this film may often seem irrelevant to its primary objective, every scene has a great deal of significance and purpose.

An important sequence that calls for analysis would be the puppet scene in which Antoine and his friend, Renee sit in the audience. This sequence may seem like it is pointless to the film’s objective, however, that is far from the truth. Truffaut’s use of mise-en-scene and cinematography illustrates the main idea of succumbing to adulthood and accepting the process of maturity society has created. The use of these cinematic elements were conceived with much thought and refinement. Analyzing the few technical aspects of this sequence aides in recognizing why this set of shots is as substantial as any other in this film.

The sequence begins as Antoine and Renee take Renee’s younger sister to see a puppet show in the park. It is important to recognize that of all plays, they are going to see Little Red Riding Hood. As the play is being performed, we are taken to various shots of children reacting to what they are viewing. Some of them react in excitement while others exhibit blank countenance. The camera goes through a montage of candid shots of children in the audience. Some of these are panned and feel quite lengthy. While the other children, who are clearly much younger than Antoine, are watching the play being performed, he and Renee are devising a plan to steal Antione’s father’s typewriter from his job. Even though Antoine is older than those around him, he still looks as if he is enjoying the play. After we are presented to more reactions from the rambunctious crowd, the play ends. There is a battle between the cops and the big bad wolf, which ultimately results in the death of the wolf, and mixed reactions from the audience. This sequence then fades to black after doing one last pan of a couple of boys who look pleased with the plays outcome. // Little Red Riding Hood be observed through the perspective of the children. //

The elements of mise-en-scene, everything in the scene, help to illustrate Truffaut’s concept of children having to face reality and adulthood. An important image to examine is the play itself. Many people might not understand the true context of Little Red Riding Hood. They may think of it as just another tale in a children’s book, however Little Red has a lot to do with growing up. Some can argue that this is essentially a coming of age fairy tale. You can even speculate that Little Red isn’t actually going to grandma’s house, but going into old age. She is in the process of growing up. The wolf can represent many things; life’s struggles, general fears, or even intimacy/sex. After Red is consumed by the beast and eventually rescued, she comes out knowing what she must do. However, in this play instead of the Red killing the wolf, the wolf faces the cops, which is something most of young society has dealt with. The children are not only watching a play, but they are also in the process of being assimilated into the norms of adulthood.

// Renee (left) and Antoine (right) sit in the audience planning to steal the typewriter. They sit as corrupt amongst the innocent. //

They are presented with the prophecy of encountering a “wolf” of their own, and even possibly being a “wolf” to society. It is also ironic that even though a children’s play is taking place, Antoine is planning on breaking the law. It’s as if a wolf sitting in the midst of sheep. It’s literally shows the corrupt amongst the innocent. Although this play echoes the thesis of this film, the camera work is what really reinforces the idea of children being presented with adulthood.

Throughout this sequence the viewer is shown the reactions of what the children are experiencing. The cinematography, which is quite beautiful for it being a black and white film, plays as much of a role as the mise-en-scene. Truffaut uses close ups and medium shots to show the expressions of the children. He also uses long shots which create a depth of field. This draws focus onto children who have dull, blank expressions. Those who aren’t as excited as others. Another technique that is utilized is the use of the long take.

//Variety of audience reactions. Some appear amused, while others look concerned.//

//Lengthy shot of two boys are look unharmed by the play's message while other sit and watch with blank countenance. May even spotlight Antoine and Renee in the past.//

Although there are cuts to different parts of the audience, the takes of each shot are still relatively lengthy, which happens to be one of the many characteristics of French New Wave Cinema. Truffaut uses this technique to highlight the contrasts in the variety of expressions seen in this sequence. Even though it appears that most of the children seem animated by the play, there are also those who seem hypnotized. This can imply that there are some of us who are delighted by the idea of growing older and facing obstacles, and there are others who buckle at the threat of tribulation.

//Another relatively lengthy shot. This one showing great depth and striking emotion as this child is presented with the prophecy of adulthood.//

These two cinematic elements are combined to emphasize the often harsh reality that children like, Antoine have encountered. Both mise-en-scene and cinematography boldly highlight how the road to adulthood is tumultuous, not only in this sequence, but throughout the entire film. Although not everyone endures the episodes Antoine is put through, an association can be made for the times where even though our intentions were good, there was still a penalty for youthful ignorance. This film has such a profound effect because not only is it genuine, but it is also relatable. It represents a common theme that we have all experienced during our own juvenility.