The prevailing approach to The 400 Blows is an ideology in which the underlying principle is Hollywood hegemony. Truffaut’s approach is ideology because the themes and concerns revolve around a delinquent child, his family and his school. This movie gives a searing critique against the home, educational and penal institutions.
Candidates are given a choice of two essays, each of which requires an analytical and critical response of around 300 words (many students write more). Students need plenty of practice for their written essays, so the teacher needs to instruct them on effective essay technique and how to play to the mark scheme.