5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Incomplete Portrait, June 9, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Stolen Portraits [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Rarely-seen photos and personal reminiscences color much of this occasionally dry but often compelling 1993 French documentary on the life and work of landmark film director Francois Truffaut. Most of the interviewed participants are those one would expect - close colleagues and family members. However, several vital figures are conspicuously absent; despite appearances from fellow New Wave directors Eric Rohmer and Claude Chabrol, Truffaut's friend (and equally important filmmaker) Jean-Luc Godard is nowhere to be seen. Gerard Depardieu (who starred in two Truffaut films) speaks; leading ladies Fanny Ardant and Marie-France Pisier are also included. Jeanne Moreau (who starred in Truffaut's "Jules and Jim" and had a longterm relationship with the director), however, is not. Neither is equally legendary Catherine Deneuve, who was also an offscreen paramour and onscreen lead in two Truffaut films. Perhaps the most conspicuous absence is that of actor Jean-Pierre Leaud, who for five films inhabited the role of Truffaut's alter ego, Antoine Doinel, from adolescence to adulthood. The father-son bond between actor and director lasted for 25 years (until Truffaut's untimely death). With the film's apparent focus on Truffaut's paternal manner with some of his actors and the director's nonexistent relationship with his own parents, Leaud's experiences and observations would have undoubtedly provided further insight. Infrequently seen footage, including Leaud's screen-test for "The 400 Blows", and of Truffaut presenting an award to Alfred Hitchcock, nearly make up for the notable absentees.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
For Truffaut fans only, August 27, 2000
This review is from: Stolen Portraits [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This movie is very well titled. This is by no means a complete portrait of Francois Truffaut. It is only a few "Stolen Portraits" strung together.
Much of the footage here is quite interesting and informative. What is most noticeable about the film, however, is not what is included but what is missing. A previous reviewer remarked on the notable absence of Jean-Pierre Leaud. To that I would also ask, since Truffaut was so noted for his work with children, why no interview with the grown-up Jean-Pierre Cargol from the "Wild Child"? Or with any of the kids from "Small Change?" And what I wouldn't have given for an interview with Isabelle Adjani!
There is one brief scene where Truffaut and Cargol are seen talking between takes of "The Wild Child." It is the only scene in this movie where we see Truffaut being Truffaut, and it leaves you wanting much, much more.
Still, I give the movie three stars because it is a valuable reference for anyone who considers themself a major Truffaut fan. However, the movie should really come with the warning "For Truffaut fans only" because if you are asking yourself "Who is Francois Truffaut?"...this movie is not a good introduction. Go watch "The 400 Blows" instead.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
