As a movie lover who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of French cinema, I eagerly await the adaptation of Louis-Ferdinand Céline’s “Journey to the End of the Night.” Having grown up in a family that valued literature and film, I can still recall the profound impact this novel had on me when I first read it at the tender age of 15.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that the thought-provoking novel “Journey to the End of the Night,” written by the enigmatic Louis-Ferdinand Céline, is getting a cinematic makeover. The project is in the capable hands of Joann Sfar, known for his work on “The Rabbi’s Cat” and “Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life,” and Thomas Bidegain, who has contributed to acclaimed films like “A Prophet” and “Emilia Perez.
Renowned filmmakers Aton Soumache (“The Little Prince”) and Alain Attal (“Beating Hearts”) are spearheading this project under their production companies: Magical Society (co-led by Sfar) and Tresor Films, respectively.
The journey towards adaptation was sparked by Sfar, a multitalented comic book artist, intellectual, and filmmaker of Jewish descent, who is renowned for his creative works that advocate for tolerance and fight against racism in various ways, both verbally and visually.
First published in 1932, “Journey to the End of the Night” was penned by Céline, originally known as Louis Ferdinand Auguste Destouches. Despite his controversial past – he moved to Germany in 1944 and spent many years living in self-exile in Denmark before his death in 1961 – Céline is still a divisive literary figure due to his antisemitic views and support for Nazi ideology during World War II. Nevertheless, he is widely regarded as a giant of French literature, with “Journey to the End of the Night” remaining a staple in high school curriculums worldwide. Translated into 37 languages, this novel has sold over 10 million copies globally.
The book tells the semi-autobiographical tale of Ferdinand Bardamu, a disenchanted protagonist, as he navigates his way through various stages of his life over multiple decades. This work offers a blend of dark humor, as it traces Bardamu’s adventures – from participating in World War I to residing in French West Africa and New York, where he held jobs at Ford Motor Company on an assembly line before relocating back to France and practicing medicine in a less affluent Paris neighborhood.
In their adaptation, Sfar and Bidegain delve into the hero’s personal odyssey and deep-seated spiritual struggle amidst the aftermath of war and societal hardship.
At the age of 15, I delved into the captivating novel ‘Journey’. This book is one of those extraordinary works that left an indelible mark on me. Remarkably, I was unaware of Louis-Ferdinand Céline’s authorship at the time; little did I know this would add layers of complexity to my journey later on. To this day, I find it impossible to forget the lessons and impact of this book. (Sfar’s words)
In his words, ‘Journey to the End of the Night’ serves as a crucial lens through which to grasp French society, even exposing its most troubling and appalling facets.” Sfar has long been contemplating a visual adaptation of this novel, but it was only after meeting Thomas Bidegain that the project truly came alive.
He says Bidegain is his favorite screenwriter because they share the “same tastes, the same laughter, and the same dislikes.” Sfar says he’s “always worked on symbols that unite or divide French society—Gainsbourg, Saint-Ex, Japrisot;” and with this adaptation of Céline, he’s reached a “point of maximum tension.” “That’s where we need to dig,” says Sfar.
Bidegain asserts that the novel remains a significant tool for interpreting our contemporary era. He notes that many have attempted to decipher Bardamu’s journey, his dark humor, the book’s complex structure, the enigmatic character of its author, and the mountainous complexity of Céline’s language. Notably, Bidegain has worked on the screenplay for Jacques Audiard’s award-winning musical thriller “Emilia Perez” recently.
In the grand tradition of Joann, it was her titanic effort that breathed life into this project. Our initial encounter, brimming with excitement, dispelled any lingering uncertainties – our mutual passion for cinema, our shared yearning to craft images and meaning, our collective awe for this monumental work… And now, here we are, immersed in our labor, buoyed by anticipation,” Bidegain reflects.
Soumache and Attal, who share the same Jewish faith, expressed their sentiments collectively, stating that the task of adapting Celine’s novel was both a significant duty and an unparalleled creative expedition.
Together with Joann Sfar and Thomas Bidegain, our goal is to bring this literary gem to life on the big screen, preserving its strength, depth, and intricacy.
The duo announced they’ve assembled an extraordinary artistic crew to encapsulate the troubled genius and masterful spirit of Céline’s work. Additionally, they hinted at some creative liberties being taken with the novel to provide a “cinematic retelling” of Bardamu’s existential and tragic odyssey. This adaptation will highlight Sfar and Bidegain’s distinctive and original perspective, appealing to a broad spectrum of viewers.
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2024-09-09 13:47