When a group of internationally renowned filmmakers came together and provided short films for a larger project known as "Love at Twenty", Francois Truffaut was happy to bring back the star of his first feature, Jean-Pierre Leaud, in the role of their iconic character Antoine Doinel. The result is a short 30-minute film that continues the exploits of the character from "The Four Hundred Blows".
We join Antoine now in his late teens as he has gotten past his troubled early years as a misunderstood juvenile delinquent and is now a contributing member of society. He now works at a record company that produces vinyl records of all kinds of music. Doinel loves music and he regularly attends symphonic concerts with his friend. It is at one of these that he notices a striking young woman who he is instantly attracted to. Doinel is able to get closer to the young woman and strike up a friendship with the girl whose name is Colette (Marie France-Pisier). The two start dating. Antoine has romantic leanings in his dealings with her but Colette is somewhat standoffish and more interested in just being friends. Colette's parents like Antoine, and the relationship with her parents offer a funny, unexpected side to the story. Eventually, Antoine decides to relocate his residence to just across the street from Colette and her family so he can be closer to his object of affection.
"Antoine and Colette" is a sweet, effervescent, and droll comedy-drama that further develops the character seen in Truffaut's debut. There is more of a comic tone to this instalment, especially in the final scene. A lot of people will identify with the theme of unrequited love and disappointment that is experienced by the main character. It is beautifully shot in black and white and the street scenes in Paris are alive with visual splendour and quirky eccentricity. For a short film, there is undeniable charm and subtlety to Truffaut's semi-autobiographical escapade.
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