Throughout the film Truffaut’s directorial eye is attuned to telling details that provide emotional nuance to scenes of everyday life.In this, he is greatly assisted by cinematographer Henri Decae, whose experience working in documentaries gave his work a sense of realism that is well suited to the tone of this film. Decae’s camera work, much of it handheld and shot in long takes, shows a Paris that can appear both romantic and gritty, depending on the circumstances. The visuals are complemented to great effect by Jean Constantin’s musical score with its sometimes jaunty, sometimes wistful air, reflecting Antoine’s changing fortunes.

Les Quatre Cents Coups was widely acclaimed on its release, winning numerous awards, including the Best Director Award at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival. Luminaries such asJean Cocteau praised the film highly and journalists were quick to associate it with the New Wave of films coming out of France. Today, it remains as moving and eloquent as ever,and is considered by many to be one of the best films ever made.