ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Gilles Jacob's 'Le fantôme du capitaine': A Cinematic Confession

publication · 2026-04-23

Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Film Festival, releases 'Le fantôme du capitaine', a collection of imaginary letters addressed to iconic figures like Gene Tierney, Rita Hayworth, Ingmar Bergman, and Manoel de Oliveira. The book, published by Éditions Robert Laffont, is a paradoxical monologue that blends confession with concealment, revealing Jacob's obsessions and desires. Jacob, known for his transformative leadership at Cannes, writes with the style of a cinephile and critic, focusing on cinematic style over narrative. The letters, which can be read in any order, offer a self-portrait that is both candid and crafted, showcasing Jacob's literary flair. Dominique Païni praises the work as one of the finest books on the film industry.

Key facts

  • Gilles Jacob authored 'Le fantôme du capitaine'.
  • The book consists of over sixty imaginary letters.
  • Addressees include Gene Tierney, Rita Hayworth, Bergman, and Oliveira.
  • Published by Éditions Robert Laffont.
  • Jacob was the renovating head of the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The book is described as a paradoxical monologue.
  • Jacob was a film critic and writer.
  • Dominique Païni wrote the review.

Entities

Artists

  • Gilles Jacob
  • Gene Tierney
  • Rita Hayworth
  • Ingmar Bergman
  • Manoel de Oliveira
  • Jean Cocteau
  • Dominique Païni

Institutions

  • Éditions Robert Laffont
  • Cannes Film Festival

Locations

  • France

Sources