The 400 Blows

France/1959—directed by François Truffaut | 99 min. 

François Truffaut’s magnificent first feature was also his most personal. Told through the eyes of his cinematic counterpart Antoine Doinel (unforgettably played by 14-year-old Jean-Pierre Léaud), The 400 Blows re-creates the pivotal experiences of Truffaut’s own difficult childhood, including oppressive teachers, the lure of petty crime and the redemption to be found at the movies.

Antoine never quite grew up (as witnessed in four sequels made over 20 years) and consequently remained the character closest to Truffaut’s heart. In French with English subtitles.  

“I have never been so deeply moved by a picture.” -Jean Cocteau 

Tickets to each of Truffaut's Antoine Doinel films showing at the DIA are available separately, but for those who want the full experience, a pass to all five films to this once-only “Antoine-a-Thon” is available here for just $20.