It is my belief that The 400 Blows was ravaged by Gummo, and that the resulting offspring was named Ratcatcher. Watch them in this order and see if you agree. For the last two films, be prepared for a little cat and mouse. All three are bold and gritty testaments to kids from the working class, and they all have very memorable endings.
The 400 Blows
The 400 Blows (1959) is directed by Francois Truffaut and is generally regarded as one of the definitive movies of the French New Wave Film Movement. It is also thought by many to be one of the finest films ever made. Go ahead and put me in this camp. Truffaut gives a near matter of fact account of a boy’s realistic troubles, which turn out to be mostly autobiographical.
The 400 Blows has profoundly influenced many other films and will surely continue to do so. It is a true masterpiece.
Gummo
Gummo (1997) is Harmony Korine’s triumphant directorial debut. The young writer/director shot this feature in Nashville, where he was partially bred. Much of the cast also claim Nashville as their home, so watch close to see if you know anyone.
The unrelenting film employs a loose narrative, which enables Korine to construct many strident, yet imaginative sequences. Though it can be pretty darn imposing on the old sensibilities, Gummo is utterly unique. It is an experience that you will surely not forget anytime soon. Editorial Note: The credits state that no cats were actually harmed during the making of Gummo.
Ratcatcher
Ratcatcher (1998) is directed by the Scottish filmmaker, Lynne Ramsay, and it is her first feature film. How this movie escaped me until just recently, I’ll never know. Ratcatcher utilizes more narrative than Gummo and is more poetic than The 400 Blows. Also being the film’s screenwriter, Lynne Ramsay holds no punches in her depiction of a Glasgow working class neighborhood from the 1970s. And being a young auteur when Ratcatcher was made, Lynne Ramsay shows an astonishing maturity in her handling of the entire filmmaking process. Like Gummo, Ratcatcher contains some difficult material but is well worthy to watch, as it is an invaluable work of art.
Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.
