Exploring the Innovative Freeze-Frame Ending in Cinema History

What is one of the first major films of the French New Wave that introduced the freeze-frame ending?

A. The 400 Blows (1959)

Answer:

The 400 Blows (1959)

One of the first major films of the French New Wave that introduced the freeze-frame ending was François Truffaut's "The 400 Blows." Released in 1959, the film tells the story of a troubled young boy named Antoine Doinel and features several innovative techniques, including jump cuts and a naturalistic, documentary-style approach to filmmaking.

The iconic final scene, in which Antoine is caught by the police and looks directly into the camera as the frame freezes, has become a defining moment in cinema history. The freeze-frame ending has since been used in countless films as a powerful storytelling device.

The French New Wave movement was known for experimenting with narrative structure and visual style, and the freeze-frame ending in "The 400 Blows" is a prime example of this creative approach.