Review of Bed and Board (1970) by A.j. S — 01 Sep 2010

With two years and two films under his belt since the last Antoine Doinel film, François Truffaut seems to have found a more solid framework and confidence to work with regarding his beloved character.

Even Jean-Pierre Léaudâ??s acting has matured â?? although he still inhabits the same, self-conscious mannerisms â?? and Claude Jade, the loyal wife to the man-child, is as effervescent and commanding as she was in â??Stolen Kissesâ?? making for a smooth transition into marriage for the two.

Truffautâ??s eye for the camera appears more patient and lucid; every shot planned and all cuts needed. This gives the film a much more professional look, especially for someone who had only been making them for a little over ten years with many trials and tribulations to account for in that duration.

Although â??Bed and Boardâ?? suffers from some minor, but odd, digressions the film is perhaps the second best entry in this cycle next to the directorâ??s indisputable masterpiece, â??The 400 Blows.

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