Vigo was often called the cinema’s Rimbaud, not only for his youth, but also for his passionate sincerity, rich imagery, and directness of language. Zero for Conduct is based on very personal childhood experiences; it is cruel, playful and exuberant, and filled with unexpected gags and observations. Set in a boarding school, the loose but emotionally charged story creates a model of rebellion, portraying not only the petty, dictatorial regime of a school, but the dynamics, fervor and delirium of revolt as well. It is poetry, wild in hatred and tender in remembrance.