Jean-Jacques Schuhl's 'Entrée des Fantômes': A Fragmented Literary Puzzle
Jean-Jacques Schuhl's latest work, 'Entrée des Fantômes' (Gallimard), presents a disjointed narrative, following his acclaimed Goncourt-winning novel 'Ingrid Caven'. Drawing inspiration from André Breton's 'Entrée des Médiums', it weaves in dialogues from 'The Simpsons', references to poor television shows, and excerpts from the writings of Hemingway and Philip Roth. Notable figures such as Christine Keeler, Madeleine Vionnet, and Richard III populate the story. Schuhl employs techniques reminiscent of DJing or the artistry of Robert Rauschenberg. His book's form is influenced by his uneven gait resulting from a necrotic hip, consisting of a brief first section ('Le mannequin') and a more extensive second section ('La Nuit des fantômes'), which features a character named Davé, a restaurateur, alongside a 'Silhouette' named Marge. The narrative delves into themes of evil through its diverse characters and motifs.
Key facts
- Jean-Jacques Schuhl's novel 'Entrée des Fantômes' published by Gallimard.
- Follows his Goncourt-winning 'Ingrid Caven'.
- Book is fragmented, assembled from debris and references.
- Includes dialogues from 'The Simpsons', bad TV, Hemingway, and Philip Roth.
- Inspired by André Breton's 'Entrée des Médiums'.
- Characters include Christine Keeler, Madeleine Vionnet, David Boring, Peter Lorre, Lafcadio, Richard III, Jean-Pierre Rassam.
- Schuhl uses techniques of DJ, surgeon, couturier, and artist Robert Rauschenberg.
- Book structure influenced by Schuhl's necrotic hip: two parts, 'Le mannequin' and 'La Nuit des fantômes'.
- Oblique Strategies cards by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt used, introduced by Bertrand Bonello.
- First part features a 'Silhouette' named Marge (homage to Matt Groening).
- Second part introduces Davé, a Chinese restaurateur on rue de Richelieu.
- Davé's restaurant has photos of Yves Saint Laurent, Francis Coppola, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Michael, Johnny Depp.
- Davé danced tango with Schuhl, Mick Jagger, and Helmut Newton.
- Book explores evil through Dr. Gogol, Vaughan, Richard III, and Troppmann.
- Revolving door motif symbolizes perpetual transit.
- Schuhl describes method as 'fabricating' a book like Dr. Frankenstein's creature.
Entities
Artists
- Jean-Jacques Schuhl
- Ingrid Caven
- Christine Keeler
- Madeleine Vionnet
- David Boring
- Peter Lorre
- Lafcadio
- Richard III
- Jean-Pierre Rassam
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Brian Eno
- Peter Schmidt
- Bertrand Bonello
- Matt Groening
- Kate Moss
- Mick Jagger
- Helmut Newton
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Francis Coppola
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- George Michael
- Johnny Depp
- James Ballard
- André Breton
- René Crevel
- Robert Desnos
- Benjamin Péret
- Charles Baudelaire
- Philip Roth
- Ernest Hemingway
- Marcel Proust
- Georges Bataille
- Raul Ruiz
- David Bowie
- Beck
- R.E.M.
- Coldplay
- Twiggy
- Louise Brooks
- Mazar (alias Jean-Pierre Rassam)
Institutions
- Éditions Gallimard
- Oblique Strategies (Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt)
- Filigranes (publisher of Bertrand Bonello's book)
- Ed. Tristram (publisher of Ballard's 'La Foire aux atrocités')
- Littérature (journal)
- L'Infini (journal)
Locations
- Paris
- France
- rue de Richelieu (Davé's restaurant)
Sources
- artpress —