Jean Vigo was often called the cinema's Rimbaud, not only for his youth which enabled him to create a vivid, uncompromising and personal mode of expression, but also for his passionate sincerity, rich imagery, and directness of language. He became the great rediscovery of the French New Wave directors. (Truffaut's first feature The 400 Blows included quotations as an homage to him.) Zéro de conduite is a short feature, based on very personal childhood experiences. Cruel, playful and exuberant, it is filled with enough unexpected ideas, gags and observations for a dozen films. The boarding school becomes a complete universe. 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. This profound revolutionary attitude by no means overshadows the poetic qualities so evident throughout Vigo's work. Inspired by his own deep memories, his film became a visual symphony, wild in hatred and tender in remembrance.