French New Wave Film Background

     I had the idea for this film earlier this year.  The french new wave has been influential to my style for a long time, and I love the thematic elements of the plot lines.  Growing up in a private school community, I relate to the main character when he skips school, preferring death to conforming to society.  The story is classic; boy makes bully jealous, picks a fight, wins at the last minute.  It seemed like it would work perfectly with the situation I had.  The situation is similar to The 400 Blows.  He skips school to do something he shouldn't be doing: playing hooky.  His motivation is to prove himself, and the fact that he probably gets a kick out of ditching his teachers.

Bob would see his shiner as a token instead of a blemish.

The Prestige

     This film really effected me because of its story, the way it told its story, and its visual mood.  It's told in nonlinear fashion, which can confuse the viewer, but it also makes the ending a complete surprise.  The subject matter, science being magic of the modern age, is intriguing and original.  The turn of the century is the perfect time period to fit the theme, and it sets the perfect dark and mysterious mood.  All of the elements are well done and they fit well in the film.