An irresistible, humane and witty exploration of childhood in France. Each story takes the view from a child's eyes ranging from two weeks to fourteen years old. Comments on the film span the range of 'beautiful' to 'perfect'. A thoroughly charming tribute to children.
Some films remain forever in your mind, they stand the test of time, defy convention and are simplistically brilliant; one such film is 'L'Argent de poche'(1976)aka 'S... more >
Some films remain forever in your mind, they stand the test of time, defy convention and are simplistically brilliant; one such film is 'L'Argent de poche'(1976)aka 'Small Change' and 'Pocket Money' As a cinematic study of childhood it has no rivals and made in the middle of the greatest decade in cinema's history still stands head and shoulders above other masterpieces of that time.
What was Truffaut's secret of making a movie blockbuster without any stars, special effects and on the tightest of budgets? Simple humanism, love, humour and at times,tragedy. The story (if one can call it such)is a simple collection of narratives attached to the lives of a group of children in the provincial French town of Thiers. We see them in school, at play, with their friends,siblings, parents and alone. Yet somehow Truffaut provides a brilliant insight into the minds of the child characters. This is not a documentary or clinical observation but a warm, natural journey of discovery where the director lets the children themselves take the lead.
In the hands of a lesser director this kind of movie could quickly turn into slushy, over-sentimental fare. Yet Truffaut was no ordinary director. The most poetic, original and singular personality of the New Wave proved time and again that he could produce something great out of virtually nothing. In 'Les Mistons' and 'Les Quatre Cents Coups' his work with children had influenced many, including the young Steven Spielberg. With 'L'Argent de poche' it reached a pinnacle. Magical. < less
