Cinema: our 4 favorite books and comics to give to movie buffs

As the 2023 literary season gets underway, novels aren't the only literature of importance. The comics literary season has been a busy one, and this year many of the titles deal with the theme of cinema. In our selection, you'll find four comics and an essay devoted to a figure from the history of cinema. And if you or someone you know is a cinephile, these books will make the perfect gift.

Louis de Funès - La Traversée du Siècle, by Mathieu Gaega

Let's start with the only essay in this selection. In this biography by Mathieu Gaega, you'll discover the most recognizable comedy actor in the history of French cinema in a completely new light. This historian's work looks in detail at the life of the actor of La Grande Vadrouille, Le Corniaud, Les Gendarmes and many others, from 1914 to 1983, i.e. from his birth to his death. As Louis de Funès was a latecomer to success, the book sheds important light on a little-known part of his life. It was prefaced by Laurent de Funès, Louis' grandson.

Editions Privat. 251 p. 18,90€.

Bela Lugosi, by Philippe Thirault and Marion Mousse

You may not have known his name, but you've certainly seen his face. Bela Lugosi has played Dracula on stage and screen on numerous occasions, and is the most cult of all. In this comic biography, Thirault and Mousse introduce us to the man behind the myth, his frail health, his drug addiction, and the many secrets of his career, which he ended by starring in the films of Ed Wood, known as one of the worst directors in history. Graphically, the book surprises with a very fine, sometimes caricatured style, giving the actor a rather terrifying appearance, in keeping with his leading character. Melancholy and deeply sad, this graphic novel reveals the deep malaise Lugosi suffered throughout his life, despite his professional success.

Editions Glénat. 144 p. 22,50€.

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Audrey Hepburn, by Eileen Hofer and Christopher

Once again, the authors of this graphic novel offer us a detailed biography of Audrey Hepburn. But with a precise angle, that of the star's fight to help the underprivileged. She lived through the Nazi occupation, took part in the Resistance and suffered enormously from malnutrition as a teenager. All of which led her to use her film fame to defend these causes close to her heart. It's a strange destiny that is recounted here, and it's obviously a goldmine for all fans of the history of this era. At the end of the book, you'll find an interview conducted by the author with Audrey Hepburn's youngest son. This comic book is currently the subject of an exhibition at Galerie Cinema Club.

Editions Michel Lafon. 320 p. 25,95€.

Coluche est de retour, by Terreur Graphique and Jérôme Vatrigan

This latest title isn't really about cinema, even if Coluche was a famous figure in it. In this press caricature-style comic (the author Terreur Graphique publishes weekly in Libération), we discover a resurrected Coluche! And of course, l'Enfoiré is going to take advantage of this new birth to do what he does best: open his mouth wide and loud! From the Gilets jaunes and Pascal Praud to the current state of the Restos du Coeur, the comedian finds plenty of new reasons to run for president again. This is a scathing work of corrosive humor, which explores in detail the dysfunctions of today's France, the better to denounce them through the character we love so much.

Editions du Cherche Midi. 72 p. 16,90€

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