The 400 Blows

Through struggle and hardship, a young boy fights to create a new beginning.

Watch the original version of The 400 Blows

Prologue: A Troubled Beginning

Antoine Doinel was born into a family that could be considered the epitome of dysfunction. His parents, Gilbert and Gabrielle, were constantly at odds with each other, and their arguments often spilled over onto Antoine. Despite their bitter fights, neither parent seemed to take any interest in their son’s well-being. They left him to his own devices, giving him no guidance, no love, and no support.

As a result, Antoine grew up feeling alone and misunderstood. He had no one to turn to except for his best friend, Rene, who was going through similar troubles at home. The two boys became inseparable, spending their days dreaming of a better life and planning ways to escape their harsh reality.

Chapter 1: The Typewriter Theft

Antoine and Rene were always looking for ways to make some extra money. They wanted to escape the poverty they had grown up with and live the lives they had always dreamed of. One day, while Antoine was at his father’s workplace, he noticed a typewriter sitting on a desk. It was an old model, but Antoine knew he could sell it for a decent amount of money.

Rene was immediately on board when Antoine proposed the idea of stealing the typewriter. It wasn’t the first time they had taken something that didn’t belong to them, but this time they were determined to get it right.

They spent days planning the perfect heist. They scouted out the location, took note of the security measures, and refined their plan until they were confident they could pull it off without a hitch.

On the day of the theft, Antoine snuck into his father’s workplace while Rene kept watch outside. He made his way to the desk where the typewriter was sitting and quickly grabbed it, tucking it under his jacket. As he turned to leave, he heard a noise and panicked. He ran towards the door, but it was locked. He was trapped.

The security guard found him moments later and called the police. Antoine was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center, where he was stripped of his freedom and subjected to inhumane treatment.

The experience was traumatizing for Antoine, but it also gave him a sense of purpose. He realized that he did not want to end up like his parents or spend his life in and out of detention facilities. He wanted something more, something better.

As he sat in his cell, Antoine made a vow to himself. He would turn his life around and prove to everyone that he was more than just a troubled kid from a broken home.

Chapter 2: A Plan Goes Awry

For Antoine, life was never easy. His parents were neglectful, and the adults around him seemed to be inconsiderate. But he had his best friend, Rene, who was always there for him. Together, they dreamed of a better life, one where they could escape the harsh realities of their world.

One day, Antoine had an idea. His father worked in an office, and Antoine knew where the typewriters were stored. He suggested to Rene that they steal one of the typewriters and sell it for money. Rene was hesitant at first, but Antoine convinced him that it was a risk worth taking.

They carefully planned the heist, waiting until Antoine’s father was out of the office. They snuck in, found the typewriter, and made their way out of the building without being noticed. They were thrilled with their success, but little did they know that it was only the beginning of their troubles.

As they made their way home, they were stopped by a police officer who had been tipped off about the theft. Antoine and Rene were arrested and taken to the police station. Antoine’s parents were called, but they were too busy with their own lives to come to his aid. He was left alone, scared, and unsure of what was going to happen next.

Eventually, Antoine was taken to a juvenile detention center. The conditions were grim, and he struggled to adjust to the strict rules and harsh treatment. He was given a small cell, and the only thing he had to occupy his time was a pen and paper. So he wrote, pouring out his thoughts and feelings onto the page.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Antoine was beginning to lose hope. But then, something unexpected happened. A teacher at the detention center noticed his talent for writing and encouraged him to pursue it. Antoine started to write stories, and he found that it was a way to escape from his troubles and live in another world.

As time passed, Antoine became more determined than ever to escape the detention center and start a new life. He began to plot his escape, studying the routine of the guards and the layout of the facility. Finally, the day arrived, and he made his escape, narrowly avoiding being caught by the guards.

He was free, but his troubles were far from over. Antoine knew that he had to keep a low profile and avoid being caught by the police. He started to work odd jobs to earn money, and he even found a small apartment where he could live.

Despite everything, Antoine remained determined to turn his life around. He continued to write, and his talent eventually caught the eye of a publisher. He published his first book, and it was a success. Antoine had finally achieved his dream of a better life.

Looking back on his journey, Antoine realized that his troubled childhood had taught him resilience and determination. He had overcome the challenges that life had thrown his way, and he was finally able to live the life that he had always dreamed of.

Chapter 3: The Juvenile Detention Center

Antoine Doinel found himself in a juvenile detention center after his plan to steal a typewriter went awry. The center was a far cry from the little freedom he was used to, and he struggled to adjust to the strict rules and inhumane treatment. For Antoine, the juvenile detention center represents a new kind of confinement he has never faced before. His time there would change him forever.

On the first day, Antoine was met with strict rules that left him feeling suffocated. The center had a strict schedule, with every minute of the day planned out. The inmates were not allowed to speak unless they were spoken to and were confined to their cells for most of the day. The cells were small, with only a bed and a toilet. The environment was harsh, and the guards were not understanding, making it tough for Antoine to adjust.

Antoine found solace in writing. He would write in his notebook, pouring out his frustrations and dreams for a better life. At first, writing was the only way for him to express himself in the juvenile detention center, where speaking his mind was discouraged. Writing gave him a sense of freedom and helped him cope with his tough situation.

Over time, Antoine became known as the troublemaker of the center. His rebellious nature led to conflicts with the guards and other inmates. He would push boundaries and break rules, leading to punishment and isolation. Despite this, Antoine remained determined to escape and start a new life.

One day, Antoine was caught trying to escape. He was punished severely, with weeks of isolation in a small cell with no windows. The isolation was overwhelming, and Antoine felt like he was losing his mind. The only thing that kept him going was his writing. He would write for hours, lost in his fantasy world, where he was no longer confined to the small cell.

As the weeks turned into months, Antoine became more and more disillusioned with his life in the juvenile detention center. He longed for the freedom he once took for granted. He would dream of the beach, the sound of the waves, and the feel of the sun on his skin. He also dreamed of a better life, where he would be free from the constraints of poverty and neglect.

Despite his hardships, Antoine’s time in the juvenile detention center proved to be transformative. He grew up quickly, learned to rely on himself, and discovered his passion for writing. He was determined to escape and start a new life, one that was free from the constraints of society and authority.

Antoine was eventually released from the juvenile detention center, but his newfound freedom was bittersweet. He returned home to a less than welcoming environment, filled with the same neglectful parents and unsympathetic authority figures. But he was different now, he was filled with a sense of purpose and determination to break free from the chains of his past and create a better future for himself.

Chapter 4: Back Home

Antoine Doinel had just been released from the juvenile detention center, and he was back home. But there was no warm welcome, no heartfelt embraces, no kind words of encouragement. His parents were as neglectful as ever, and Antoine felt like he was merely returning to a prison of a different kind.

As he walked through the door of his family’s apartment, he was greeted with the same old sight of his father’s typewriter, a constant reminder of the incident that led to his incarceration. Antoine’s father was an unemotional man who worked long hours at a printing company and showed little interest in his family. Antoine’s mother was similarly distant, preferring to spend her days shopping and socializing with her wealthy friends.

Antoine’s younger brother, who had always been envious of Antoine’s independence and sense of adventure, barely acknowledged him. It was as if Antoine had never left. The same drab furniture, the same stale air, and the same lack of love and warmth that Antoine had known all his life. He felt like he was suffocating.

The following morning, Antoine got up early and went to school. His head was filled with all sorts of emotions, and he was unsure how to deal with them. His teachers treated him with suspicion, and his classmates avoided him like the plague. Antoine knew that he was labeled a troublemaker, a delinquent who would never amount to anything. But he was determined to prove them wrong.

At lunchtime, Antoine sat alone in the schoolyard, watching as the other kids laughed and chatted. He couldn’t help feeling angry and resentful. Why did they get to have fun while he was stuck in this miserable existence? But then he remembered his vow to himself. He would find a way out, a way to escape the cycle of neglect and despair that had haunted him all his life.

That afternoon, Antoine was summoned to the principal’s office. He was nervous and unsure what to expect. Had he done something wrong already? But when he got there, he was surprised to see a man he didn’t recognize. The man introduced himself as a social worker and explained that he had been assigned to Antoine’s case.

The social worker asked Antoine about his time in the detention center and listened intently as Antoine recounted his experiences. He told the social worker about his dreams of a better life, of his desire to break free from the constraints of his upbringing. The social worker was sympathetic and promised to do everything in his power to help Antoine.

Over the next few weeks, Antoine met with the social worker regularly. They discussed Antoine’s future, his hopes and dreams, and his plans to make a better life for himself. The social worker helped Antoine enroll in a new school, one that was more supportive and catered to his interests.

Despite the setbacks and the challenges he faced, Antoine remained determined to make something of himself. He threw himself into his studies and extracurricular activities, determined to prove his worth to himself and to others. He made friends with other like-minded students and found solace in their company.

As time passed, Antoine felt himself growing more confident and self-assured. He knew that his journey was far from over, but he was grateful for the progress he had made. He still had his dreams, but he also had his newly found sense of purpose and determination.

Antoine’s parents, meanwhile, remained unchanged. They continued to live their lives as they always had, oblivious to Antoine’s struggles and his newfound sense of hope. But Antoine no longer needed their approval or validation. He had found his own path, one that would lead him to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Chapter 5: A New School

Antoine Doinel’s new school was unlike any he had ever attended. The buildings were modern and clean, and the classrooms were filled with new books and technology. But Antoine struggled to fit in. He was used to the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of his old school, and the polished environment of his new school only served to emphasize how out of place he felt.

On his first day, Antoine showed up late to class, which only made matters worse. The teacher, a stern woman with tight hair and a sharp tongue, glared at him as he slunk into his seat.

“Mr. Doinel,” she said, “Do you think it’s appropriate to show up to class late on your first day?”

Antoine tried to explain that he was new and didn’t know the way, but the teacher wasn’t interested in hearing excuses. She made him stay after class to write lines, which served as a warning to the other students that she wasn’t to be messed with.

Antoine soon found that fitting in was harder than he’d anticipated. The other students were polite, but distant, and he struggled to make friends. His rebellious nature also got him into trouble with his teachers, as he questioned their methods and challenged their authority.

One day, Antoine’s homeroom teacher, Monsieur Petit, asked him to stay after class. Antoine groaned inwardly, expecting another lecture on his behavior. But instead, Monsieur Petit surprised him.

“Antoine,” he said, “I understand that you’re having a hard time adjusting to this new school, but I want you to know that I’m here to help. I was once young like you, and I know how difficult it can be to find your place in the world.”

Antoine was surprised by Monsieur Petit’s kindness. He’d always assumed that adults were all the same, cold and indifferent to the struggles of young people.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Monsieur Petit asked.

Antoine thought for a moment. He wanted to tell Monsieur Petit that he felt like an outsider, that he missed his old school and his old friends. But he couldn’t find the words.

“Nothing, really,” Antoine said, shrugging.

Monsieur Petit looked at him for a long moment, studying him.

“Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me,” he said, before dismissing Antoine.

Despite Monsieur Petit’s offer of help, Antoine continued to struggle. He still longed for the camaraderie of his old school, where he and his friends had laughed and joked and played pranks. At his new school, everyone seemed so serious, so focused on their studies.

One day, Antoine decided to skip class. He couldn’t take the boredom anymore. He wandered around the city, avoiding the prying eyes of authority figures, and eventually ended up at the beach.

The beach was crowded with people, all of them laughing, playing games, and soaking up the sun. Antoine watched from a distance, envious of their carefree attitudes. He wondered what it would be like to live a life like that, without the weight of school and authority figures bearing down on him.

As he wandered along the beach, Antoine spotted a group of boys playing soccer. They were around his age, and they looked like they were having the time of their lives.

Antoine wandered over to them and watched for a while, admiring their skill and agility. Eventually, one of the boys spotted him and invited him to join in.

At first, Antoine was hesitant. He wasn’t used to playing with strangers, and he didn’t want to embarrass himself. But the boy persisted, and eventually, Antoine relented.

The next few hours were some of the best of Antoine’s life. He ran up and down the beach, free and unencumbered, laughing and shouting with the other boys. For the first time since starting at his new school, Antoine felt like he belonged somewhere.

As the sun began to set, Antoine said goodbye to the boys and headed back to the city. He smiled to himself, feeling a sense of contentment that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

The experience at the beach changed Antoine. He realized that there was more to life than just school and authority figures. He was determined to find a way to incorporate that sense of freedom and joy into his everyday life, no matter how hard it might be.

Chapter 6: The Beach

Antoine and Rene had planned the perfect day. They were going to skip school and head to the beach. They woke up early and made their way to the train station. The excitement was palpable as they chatted on the train about what they were going to do once they got there. They had packed a picnic lunch, a few towels, and a frisbee.

As they got closer to the beach, Antoine’s nerves began to set in. He had been to the beach before, but not without his parents. He wasn’t sure what to expect or how to act. Would people judge him for skipping school? Would they know he was from the city and not belong?

Rene noticed Antoine’s apprehension and put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey man, don’t worry about it. We’re here to have fun. No one knows us, and no one cares. Just be yourself and enjoy the day.”

Antoine smiled at Rene’s words, feeling a sense of relief. They arrived at the beach and immediately laid out their towels. The sand was warm beneath their feet, and the sound of the waves put them at ease.

They played frisbee for a while, laughing and joking as they ran to catch the flying disc. They took turns diving into the waves, feeling the cool water on their skin. They even attempted to build a sandcastle, but it quickly crumbled.

As the day went on, Antoine began to feel a sense of peace that he had never experienced before. He felt free, as if nothing else mattered except the present moment. He forgot about his troubled home life, his struggles at school, and his run-ins with the law. For the first time in a long time, he felt alive.

As the sun began to set, Antoine and Rene sat on their towels and watched the colors of the sky change. The oranges and pinks blended together, creating a breathtaking sight. Antoine felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. He was grateful for Rene, who had always been there for him. He was grateful for the beach, which had given him a new perspective on life. He was grateful for the day they had spent together, which had reminded him of the beauty in the world.

As they made their way back to the train station, Antoine felt a sense of sadness that the day was over. He didn’t want to go back to his old life, filled with struggles and hardships. He wanted to stay at the beach forever, where he could be free and happy.

But Rene noticed Antoine’s melancholy expression and put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey man, don’t worry. We can come back here anytime we want. And in the meantime, we can hold on to the memories of this day and use them to inspire us to create a better life.”

Antoine smiled at Rene’s words, feeling a sense of hope for his future. He knew that the day at the beach had changed him, and he was determined to use that change to create a new beginning.

Chapter 7: A Youthful Love

Antoine Doinel had always felt isolated and disconnected from the world around him. However, everything changed when he met Lili. She was different from anyone he had ever met before, and he felt an instant connection with her.

They met when Antoine was walking home from school one day. He bumped into her on the street, and they struck up a conversation. Lili was easy to talk to, and Antoine found himself opening up to her in a way he never had with anyone else. They exchanged numbers, and Antoine eagerly awaited their next meeting.

Their relationship blossomed quickly. They spent hours talking on the phone, and Antoine found that he looked forward to seeing her more than anything else. Lili was the only person who seemed to understand him, and he felt safe and comfortable around her.

One day, Antoine took Lili to the beach. They spent the day swimming and lounging in the sun, and Antoine felt more alive than he ever had before. He had always felt like an outsider, but with Lili, he felt like he had finally found his place in the world.

As the sun began to set, Antoine and Lili lay on the beach, watching the clouds. They talked about their dreams and aspirations, and Antoine felt like he could tell her anything. As the stars came out, they shared their first kiss, and Antoine knew that he was in love.

Despite the joy that Lili brought into his life, Antoine’s troubles continued to haunt him. He had a reputation as a troublemaker, and his troubled past often led to conflicts with the law and authority figures. One day, while Antoine and Lili were out together, they ran into some trouble.

A group of older boys was causing trouble on the street, and when Antoine tried to intervene, a fight broke out. Antoine and Lili were both caught up in the chaos, and when the police arrived, they were both taken into custody.

Antoine was terrified of what would happen to him. He had been in trouble with the law before, and he knew that this would only make things worse. Lili was his only source of comfort during this difficult time, and he clung to her desperately.

After several hours in custody, Antoine and Lili were released. They walked silently through the dark streets, both lost in their own thoughts. Antoine was ashamed of what had happened, and he knew that he had let Lili down. He felt like he had ruined everything.

However, when they finally stopped to talk, Lili surprised him. She told him that she loved him, and that nothing would ever change that. She reminded him that everyone makes mistakes, and that what mattered was how he learned from them.

With Lili’s support, Antoine was able to turn his life around. He worked hard in school, and he started to see a future for himself. He knew that he still had a long way to go, but he was determined to create a better life for himself and for Lili.

As they said goodbye that night, Antoine knew that he had found something special in Lili. She was his anchor in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable. With her by his side, he knew that he could conquer anything.

Chapter 8: A New Beginning

Antoine Doinel sat on the bench in the park, staring at the trees and taking in the sounds of nature around him. It had been a long and difficult journey, but he was finally at a place where he could see a brighter future. He had left behind his troubled past and was taking the first steps towards a new beginning.

As he looked around, he thought about all that had happened over the past few years. He had gone through a lot of struggles, from his troubled childhood to his time in the juvenile detention center to his conflicts with authority figures. But through it all, he had never lost sight of his dreams.

He had always known that he wanted more out of life than what he had been given. He wanted to be a writer, to create something beautiful and meaningful that would touch people’s lives. And he was finally at a place where that dream could become a reality.

Antoine stood up and looked around. He saw children playing in the grass, couples strolling hand in hand, and families enjoying a picnic. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that he was finally free from the troubles of his past.

As he walked out of the park, Antoine felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but he was ready to face the challenges head-on. He had already started writing, pouring his heart and soul into the pages and creating a world that he hoped would touch people’s hearts.

He had also started taking classes at a local community college, studying literature and creative writing. He wanted to hone his craft and become the best writer he could be. He knew that he had a long way to go, but he was willing to put in the work to make his dreams a reality.

As he walked down the street, Antoine saw a sign for a small bookstore. He went inside and browsed the shelves, feeling a sense of excitement as he looked at all the books. He knew that one day, his book would be among them.

He left the bookstore with a new sense of determination. He was ready to face the world and make his mark. He knew that there would be obstacles in his path, but he was ready to overcome them.

As he walked down the street, Antoine saw a familiar face. It was Lili, the girl he had fallen in love with years ago. They had lost touch after his conflicts with the law, but he had never forgotten her.

He walked over to her, and they embraced. They talked for a while, catching up on old times and sharing their dreams for the future.

As they parted ways, Antoine knew that he had a new reason to keep going. He wanted to make Lili proud, to show her that he had become the man he had always wanted to be.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Antoine walked down the street, feeling the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders. He knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but he was ready to face it. He was ready for a new beginning.


Some scenes from the movie The 400 Blows written by A.I.

Scene 1

FADE IN:

EXT. PARIS – DAY

We see a busy street in Paris as people rush past in a hurry. Amongst the crowd is ANTOINE DOINEL (12), a young Parisian boy who looks lost and alone.

CUT TO:

INT. ANTOINE’S HOME – DAY

Antoine enters his home to find his mother and father arguing. His mother turns to him and yells, “Why can’t you be more like your cousin? He’s successful and you’re just a troublemaker.” Antoine looks down, hurt by her words.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL – DAY

Antoine and his best friend, RENE (12), walk to school. They discuss their future plans to leave Paris and travel the world. Antoine dreams of a life beyond his current struggles.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

Antoine is in class, but he’s not paying attention. He draws in his notebook, lost in his thoughts. His teacher catches him and reprimands him, but Antoine just looks away.

CUT TO:

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Antoine lies awake in bed, listening to his parents argue in the other room. He can’t take it anymore and quietly packs a bag.

CUT TO:

EXT. PARIS – NIGHT

Antoine walks through the empty streets of Paris with his bag in hand. He looks back at his childhood home one last time before disappearing into the night.

FADE OUT.

Scene 2

FADE IN:

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – DAY

Antoine sits on his bed, staring at the typewriter in front of him. His best friend, Rene, stands anxiously by his side.

RENE

So, are you going to do it?

ANTOINE

(pause)

I don’t know. What if we get caught?

RENE

Come on, Antoine. You want a better life, right? This is our chance.

Antoine takes a deep breath and nods.

ANTOINE

Okay, let’s do it.

CUT TO:

INT. ANTOINE’S FATHER’S WORKPLACE – DAY

Antoine and Rene sneak into the office, looking around cautiously. Antoine spots the typewriter and makes his way towards it.

ANTOINE

(whispering)

I got it.

Suddenly, the door opens, and Antoine’s father walks in. Antoine freezes in terror.

ANTOINE’S FATHER

What are you doing here, Antoine?

Antoine stammers, unable to come up with a response.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE STATION – DAY

Antoine sits in a chair, nervously tapping his foot. A police officer walks in and sits down across from him.

POLICE OFFICER

So, Antoine. Care to explain why you were stealing a typewriter?

Antoine takes a deep breath, trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

ANTOINE

I…I wanted to write a book.

The officer eyes Antoine skeptically.

POLICE OFFICER

(sighs)

Look, Antoine. You’re just a kid. You don’t want to end up in trouble with the law. I’m going to give you a warning this time. But if I catch you stealing again, there will be consequences.

CUT TO:

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – DAY

Antoine sits on his bed, staring at the typewriter once again. Rene walks in, looking worried.

RENE

Is everything okay?

Antoine nods.

ANTOINE

We can’t give up on our dreams, Rene. We just have to be smarter about it.

Rene smiles and nods, understanding Antoine’s determination.

CUT TO:

EXT. CITY STREETS – DAY

Antoine and Rene walk down the street, both carrying a backpack filled with stolen goods. They share a mischievous smile as they continue on their path, determined to make something of themselves in a world that constantly tries to bring them down.

FADE OUT.

Scene 3

FADE IN:

EXT. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER – DAY

Antoine and other young offenders stand in a line while a stern-looking NURSE checks their health. Antoine looks nervous and out of place.

NURSE

(to Antoine)

What’s your name?

ANTOINE

(softly)

Antoine Doinel.

NURSE

(glancing at the file)

Antoine Doinel, ah yes, petty theft. You’ll be staying with us for a while.

Antoine nods and follows the nurse into the detention center.

CUT TO:

INT. CELLBLOCK – DAY

Antoine enters a small cell with a bed and a toilet. He looks around and sighs, realizing this is his new home for the time being. He sits on the bed and stares at the ceiling.

ANTOINE (V.O)

(voiceover)

I felt lost, alone. The other boys didn’t want anything to do with me. I missed my family, my friends, Rene. I needed to find a way out of this place.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

Antoine sits in a classroom, surrounded by other young offenders. The TEACHER, a strict-looking woman, stands at the front of the room.

TEACHER

(to Antoine)

You’re the new boy, aren’t you?

ANTOINE

(nodding)

Yes, ma’am.

TEACHER

(handing him a book)

Catch up with the rest of the class. You have a lot of work to do.

Antoine nods and opens the book, determined to prove himself.

CUT TO:

INT. CELLBLOCK – NIGHT

Antoine sits on his bed, writing in a notebook. The dim light casts shadows on his face as he scribbles furiously.

ANTOINE (V.O)

(voiceover)

I wrote about everything. My dreams, my fears, my hopes for the future. Writing was my escape from this place.

Suddenly, the door to his cell opens, and a GUARD enters.

GUARD

(to Antoine)

Doinel, you have a visitor.

Antoine’s eyes widen in surprise.

CUT TO:

INT. VISITATION ROOM – DAY

Antoine sits across from his mother and father, who look haggard and tired. They stare at him with a mix of disappointment and concern.

MOTHER

(tearfully)

Antoine, what have you done?

FATHER

(angrily)

You should have thought about the consequences before you stole that typewriter.

Antoine looks down, ashamed.

ANTOINE

(softly)

I’m sorry.

MOTHER

(wiping away tears)

We’ll get you out of here, Antoine. We’ll figure something out.

Antoine looks up at his parents, filled with hope.

FADE OUT.

Scene 4

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – DAY

Antoine sits on his bed, staring at the wall. He flinches when his mother, JANINE, bursts into the room.

JANINE:

Antoine! You’re going to be late for your first day at your new school.

Antoine reluctantly gets up and follows his mother out of the room.

INT. ANTOINE’S NEW SCHOOL – DAY

Antoine enters his new classroom and takes a seat. The teacher, MRS. RENAUD, introduces him to the class.

MRS. RENAUD:

Class, this is Antoine Doinel. He’s new to our school. Please make him feel welcome.

The class greets Antoine with silence, and he looks down at his desk, feeling out of place.

INT. CAFETERIA – DAY

Antoine sits alone at a table, eating his lunch. A group of teenagers, led by the school bully, MICHEL, approach him.

MICHEL:

What’s wrong, Doinel? Don’t have any friends to sit with?

Antoine tries to ignore them, but Michel grabs his lunch tray and tosses it to the ground.

MICHEL:

Looks like you’ll have to eat off the floor, loser.

The group laughs as Antoine picks up his tray and walks away.

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Antoine lays in bed, staring at the ceiling. He can hear his parents arguing in the next room.

JANINE (O.S.):

I’m so sick of him, Gilbert. He’s nothing but trouble.

GILBERT (O.S.):

Maybe if you were a better mother, he wouldn’t be so angry all the time.

Antoine covers his head with his pillow, trying to block out the noise.

INT. ANTOINE’S NEW SCHOOL – DAY

Antoine is called to the principal’s office. He nervously enters the room and takes a seat.

PRINCIPAL:

Antoine, we’ve received reports that you’ve been disruptive in class and disrespectful to your teachers.

Antoine looks down at his hands, feeling guilty.

PRINCIPAL:

We’re giving you one more chance. If you can’t behave, we’ll have to take disciplinary action.

Antoine nods, determined to turn things around.

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Antoine sits at his desk, writing in his journal.

ANTOINE (V.O.):

I don’t know why I’m so angry all the time. Maybe it’s because no one ever listens to me or takes me seriously.

He pauses, considering what to write next.

ANTOINE (V.O.):

But I’m not giving up. I’ll prove everyone wrong and show them I’m better than they think.

He closes his journal, feeling a sense of determination.

Scene 5

INT. CLASSROOM – DAY

Antoine sits in the back of the classroom, with his head down, as the teacher lectures at the front of the room. The other students take notes and pay attention, but Antoine seems lost in his own thoughts.

TEACHER:

Antoine, are you listening?

Antoine looks up, startled.

TEACHER (CONT’D):

What did I just say?

ANTOINE:

Uh, I’m not sure.

TEACHER:

That’s what I thought. Pay attention, Antoine. You’re in this class for a reason.

Antoine nods, embarrassed. As the teacher continues to lecture, Antoine’s mind wanders again. He stares out the window, watching the autumn leaves fall from the trees.

CUT TO:

EXT. SCHOOL – LATER

Antoine meets up with Rene outside the school. Rene is his usual jovial self, but Antoine seems distracted.

RENE:

What’s up, Antoine? You seem down.

ANTOINE:

I don’t know. School is just so boring.

RENE:

Tell me about it. But we’ve got to stick it out, man. We’ve got to get an education if we want to make something of ourselves.

Antoine nods, but he still seems distant.

RENE (CONT’D):

Hey, I’ve got an idea. Let’s skip school tomorrow and go to the beach.

Antoine perks up at this.

ANTOINE:

The beach?

RENE:

Yeah, man. We’ll have a day of freedom. No teachers, no parents, no rules. What do you say?

Antoine considers this for a moment, then nods.

ANTOINE:

Let’s do it.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH – DAY

Antoine and Rene arrive at the beach, both of them grinning from ear to ear. They run towards the water, shedding their clothes as they go. They dive into the waves, yelling out in delight.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH – LATER

Antoine and Rene lie on the sand, soaking up the sun. They share a joint and chat, their conversation light and carefree. For a moment, they forget about their worries and enjoy the present moment.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH – EVENING

As the sun sets, Antoine and Rene make their way back towards the car. They’re both exhausted but happy. As they drive home, they talk excitedly about the day they’ve had.

As they pull up outside Antoine’s house, Rene turns to him.

RENE:

Hey, that was awesome. We should do it again sometime.

ANTOINE:

Definitely.

They share a fist bump, then Antoine heads inside. As he closes the door, we see a small smile of contentment cross his face.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 6

Genre: Drama

Logline: A young Parisian boy Antoine Doinel, faces a tough childhood, surrounded by inconsiderate adults. After being sent to juvenile detention and facing conflicts with the law, he finds hope in his dreams of a better life.

Scene 6: The Beach

INT. ANTOINE’S BEDROOM – DAY

Antoine lies in bed, staring at the ceiling. He’s fed up with his life and the constant struggles he faces. He sits up, pulls out a notebook, and begins to write.

ANTOINE (V.O.)

I’m tired of feeling trapped. Tired of feeling like there’s no way out. But today I’m doing something different. Today, I’m taking control.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH – DAY

Antoine and Rene walk along the beach, enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves crashing. They laugh and play, enjoying the freedom they’ve been denied for so long.

RENE

This is the life, Antoine. No more troubles, no more worries.

ANTOINE

(smiling)

You’re right, Rene. For once, everything feels perfect.

They sit down on the sand, surrounded by beachgoers. Antoine watches a young couple holding hands, and he can’t help but feel envious.

ANTOINE (V.O.)

I want to feel that. I want to feel love, happiness, and freedom. I don’t want to be stuck in this cycle of despair.

CUT TO:

EXT. BEACH – LATER

Antoine and Rene lay on the sand, looking up at the sky. They talk about their dreams and how they want their lives to be different.

RENE

(sighing)

I wish we could stay here forever.

ANTOINE

(smiling)

Maybe we can’t stay forever, but we can plan for a better future.

They hug, and the camera pans out, showing them surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the beach.

FADE OUT.

Author: AI