On Questions of Identity in Les Quatre Cents Coups

Throughout Francois Truffaut’s enduring coming of age classic, Les Quatre Cents Coups (The 400 Blows), Antoine, the young lead is referred to as “the kid” and repeatedly reminded, “Your father gave you your name”. This raises interesting questions of representation and identity (his paternal father, isn’t even his biological father; he remains an unknown). Especially, when we consider that Antoine (also referred to by his surname at school), dresses fairly uniquely ain the academic environment, yet is then later regimented into life at the delinquency school by being forced to dress as everyone else. Essentially taking away Antoine individualism and further reducing his identity. There are many reasons that could be pointed to in an attempt to explain Antoine’s behaviour, but maybe by referring to a separation between individual and name, Truffaut is suggesting that young children, at the time, being pushed through an ineffective academic system and not experiencing adequate support at home, were unable to find a foothold in life from which to propel themselves forward. Therefore, a life of petty crime and inoffensive misbehaviour follows. In addition, where there is a lack of empathy from all levels of authority (parents, teachers, police, politicians) is it any wonder that negative representations of youth abound? It is important to remember that this is also a film that refers to the draft, meaning the French indo-China conflict in Vietnam. This further reinforces the statement that Truffaut was commenting upon the uncertainty faced by young people, especially young boys. By referring to Antoine in the ways mentioned above, is he being unconsciously prepared for a future where he will be another faceless nameless statistic, whether one to do with crime or war? If so, separation from one’s identity is the perfect preparation for such a desolate future.