Review of Small Change (1976) by Jim H — 07 Dec 2011

This film depicts episodes from children's lives in a small town in the very center of France.

While I watched this film, two things kept recurring in my head. First, Truffaut is so much better when he's dealing with children, Stolen Kisses being an exception. Second, this is so much better than Amarcord, which is a Fellini film that L'Argent de Poche reminds me of. In both Fellini and Truffaut's films, we see no main character except the town's inhabitants, and there are comedic episodes that attempt to convey a "slice of life." But like Amarcord, many of the "comedic" moments aren't especially funny. One is downright ridiculous; I won't give it away, but at the resolution of the Gregory situation, I briefly hated this film, finding it emotionally manipulative and simple-minded.

But unlike Amarcord Truffaut has clear thematic purpose. He remembers and conveys the moments of childhood when the cliche of "childhood innocence" rings true, but at the same time, he captures the awkwardness and embarrassment of trying to make one's way in the world without a road map or a trustworthy tour guide.

I also found the curious absence of parents interesting, replaced, it seems, with teachers who seem more cautious and exacting than their biological counterparts. And the climactic speech by an educator provides a good thematic conclusion.

Overall, I liked L'Argent de Poche, even though there were moments when it tried my patience.