1. Life and Background
Riad Sattouf's life experiences, particularly his early childhood in the Middle East and subsequent return to France, have profoundly shaped his artistic perspective and are often reflected in his highly acclaimed works. His upbringing across different cultures provided a rich tapestry of experiences that he later wove into his narratives.
1.1. Early Life and Education
Riad Sattouf was born in Paris, France, on May 5, 1978. His father was Syrian, and his mother was Breton (French). He spent his early childhood years in Libya and Syria, countries where his father worked, before eventually returning to France. He spent his teenage years in Brittany, a region in western France, and pursued his studies in the city of Rennes. During his youth, Sattouf developed a deep fascination with cartoon books and periodicals, which his grandmother regularly sent to him. This early exposure to comics ignited a passion that would later define his career. Although he initially aspired to become a pilot, his strong inclination towards drawing led him to shift his focus. He subsequently applied to and attended prestigious art schools, first École Pivaut and then Gobelins L'École de L'Image, where he specialized in animation.
1.2. Early Career and Entry into Comics
Sattouf's talent quickly garnered attention in the comics world. The renowned cartoonist Olivier Vatine noticed his distinct artistic voice and played a pivotal role in introducing him to Guy Delcourt, the owner of Delcourt, a prominent French publishing house specializing in cartoons. Delcourt published Sattouf's first book, Petit Verglas, which was written by Éric Corbeyran with Sattouf providing the drawings. Building on this initial success, Sattouf began to narrate his own adolescent observations in a uniquely personal and humorous style. These early autobiographical works included Manuel du puceau and Ma Circoncision, both published by Bréal Jeunesse, an imprint directed by fellow cartoonist Joann Sfar. Ma Circoncision notably critiqued circumcision as a cruel and absurd practice, contextualized within the socio-political landscape of 1980s Syria, where his ancestors lived. These books were later reprinted by the avant-garde comics publisher L'Association. He further expanded his comicography with the Jérémie series, published within the Poisson Pilote collection by Dargaud. This series, consisting of three books, tells the story of a sentimental and unstable young man's journey into adulthood, incorporating partially autobiographical elements from Sattouf's own life. A segment of this series also appeared in No Sex in New York in 2004, at the initiative of the French left-wing daily newspaper, Libération.
2. Major Comic Works
Riad Sattouf's extensive body of comic work showcases a distinctive blend of humor, social observation, and autobiographical reflection, ranging from satirical takes on contemporary society to intimate graphic memoirs of his childhood.
2.1. Early Works and Autobiographical Elements
Following his initial publications, Sattouf continued to explore themes grounded in his personal experiences and acute observations. His 2005 work, Retour au collège, became a significant success. This book offered a detailed observational study of adolescents within a Parisian middle school, capturing the nuances of their daily lives and interactions with authenticity. These early creations, alongside Manuel du puceau and Ma Circoncision, established Sattouf's signature style of blending humor with a keen eye for social reality, often drawing directly from his own past.
2.2. "The Secret Life of Young People" and Charlie Hebdo
One of Sattouf's most recognized ongoing projects was his weekly strip for the satirical French weekly Charlie Hebdo, titled La vie secrète des jeunes (The Secret Life of Young People). This strip was serialized for ten years, from 2004 to mid-2014. In this series, Sattouf meticulously chronicled anecdotal observations of young people encountered in various public places, ranging from buses to shopping malls. He likened the strip to a "fly-on-the-wall" nature documentary, focusing on the spontaneous and unfiltered conversations of his subjects. His meticulous attention to sociolinguistic variation captured the authentic speech patterns and slang of contemporary French youth, making the strip a unique and valuable social commentary. The strips were later collected and republished in three volumes, released in 2007, 2010, and 2013 respectively. After a decade at Charlie Hebdo, Sattouf departed the publication in late 2014.
2.3. "Pascal Brutal" Series
Parallel to his observational strips, Sattouf developed the comedic series Pascal Brutal, a work that delves into satire and social commentary through a fictional character. Pascal Brutal is conceived as an embodiment of pure, exaggerated virility. The series imaginatively portrays a near-future France as an anarchic, neoliberal dystopia, a backdrop against which the hero's outlandish machismo is given free rein. Through the character of Pascal Brutal, Sattouf satirizes contemporary societal trends and constructs of masculinity.
2.4. "The Arab of the Future" Series
L'Arabe du futur (The Arab of the Future) is Riad Sattouf's acclaimed graphic memoir, which has become his most representative work. The series chronicles the author's childhood experiences growing up in the Middle East, specifically in Libya and Syria, in the 1980s. It delves into major themes such as identity, cultural clash, family dynamics, and the complexities of socio-political environments in the region. The work holds significant social importance, offering a unique and often humorous perspective on a rarely depicted childhood in Arab countries, while simultaneously tackling serious subjects like political systems and the search for belonging. The series has achieved considerable success and critical acclaim, receiving numerous awards. Volume 1, covering the years 1978-1984, garnered the Grand prix RTL de la bande dessinée, the Prix BD Stas/Ville de Saint-Étienne, and the Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for Best Album in 2014-2015, marking Sattouf's second time receiving this prestigious Angoulême award. The series has been translated into English as The Arab of the Future: A Childhood in the Middle East.
2.5. "Esther's Notebooks" Series
Following his departure from Charlie Hebdo, Sattouf began a new strip titled Les cahiers d'Esther (Esther's Notebooks) for Le Nouvel Obs, a weekly magazine. This series, which commenced in late 2014, is uniquely based on true stories recounted to Sattouf by a young girl named Esther A., who was 9 years old when the strip began. Esther's Notebooks offers sensitive and insightful observations into the daily lives of teenagers, capturing their evolving thoughts, social interactions, and challenges as they grow. The series documents Esther's life year by year, providing a serialized and intimate portrait of adolescence. It has also been translated into English as Esther's Notebooks.
3. Film Career
In addition to his prolific work in comics, Riad Sattouf has established a significant career in filmmaking, both as a director and in various other capacities, translating his keen observational skills and narrative prowess to the screen.
3.1. As Director and Screenwriter
Riad Sattouf made his directorial debut with the film Les Beaux Gosses (The French Kissers), which he also wrote and contributed to as a musician and actor. Released on June 10, 2009, the film achieved great success in France, attracting 1 million viewers within just two months. Les Beaux Gosses portrays the love life and coming-of-age experiences of adolescents, a theme frequently revisited in Sattouf's work. The film earned him considerable critical recognition, including nominations for three César Awards in 2010: Best Debut Film, Best New Male Actor (for Vincent Lacoste in the role of Hervé), and Best Supporting Actress (for Noémie Lvovsky as Hervé's mother). It went on to win the Gold Prize for Best Film Debut, Best Male Revelation for Vincent Lacoste and Anthony Sonigo, Best French Revelation for Direction and Production for Sattouf himself, and the Jacques Prévert Prize for Best Scenario and Best Adaptation, which he shared with his co-writer Marc Syrigas. In 2010, Sattouf also directed and wrote the web series Mes colocs. He continued his filmmaking career with Jacky in Women's Kingdom (Jacky au royaume des filles), released in 2014, for which he again served as director, writer, musician, and actor.
3.2. Other Film Contributions
Beyond his directorial work, Riad Sattouf has lent his talents to other film projects. In 2003, he contributed to the animated TV series Petit Vampire, created by his friend and fellow cartoonist Joann Sfar, by providing the scenario and voice-over for a cartoon character. In 2010, he took on an acting role as Fréhel's gigolo in Gainsbourg, vie héroïque, a biographical film about Serge Gainsbourg also directed by Joann Sfar.
4. Artistic Style and Major Themes
Riad Sattouf's artistic style is characterized by a unique blend of humor, often deadpan or darkly comedic, combined with a sharp, empathetic, and sometimes critical social observational perspective. Across his diverse body of work in both comics and film, he consistently employs satirical elements to comment on societal norms, human behavior, and political absurdities. His drawings, while seemingly simple, are highly expressive and effective in conveying character and emotion.
Recurring major themes in his work include:
- Adolescence: Sattouf frequently returns to the awkwardness, joys, and struggles of growing up. Works like Retour au collège, Les Beaux Gosses, and Les cahiers d'Esther delve deeply into the world of teenagers, capturing their evolving identities, social anxieties, and burgeoning relationships with remarkable accuracy and sensitivity.
- Identity: His graphic memoirs, particularly Ma Circoncision and L'Arabe du futur, explore the complexities of personal and cultural identity. He navigates questions of belonging, self-discovery, and the formation of one's worldview shaped by family, upbringing, and political environments.
- Cultural Clash: Drawing heavily from his bicultural background, Sattouf often examines the friction and misunderstandings that arise between different cultures. L'Arabe du futur is a prime example, where he depicts the often bewildering contrasts between French and Middle Eastern societies through the innocent eyes of a child.
- Social Satire and Documentation: Whether through the exaggerated machismo of Pascal Brutal or the meticulously recorded conversations in La vie secrète des jeunes, Sattouf critiques and documents aspects of contemporary society. His work acts as a kind of anthropological study, revealing the quirks, prejudices, and often humorous realities of modern life. His critical perspective particularly challenges conservative and authoritarian viewpoints, reinforcing a nuanced and socially conscious narrative.
5. Major Exhibitions
Riad Sattouf's significant contributions to the art of comics and visual storytelling have been celebrated in major exhibitions. One notable retrospective of his work was held at the prestigious Centre Pompidou in Paris.
This major exhibition, titled L'écriture dessinée (or Illustrated Writing), showcased a broad spectrum of Sattouf's artistic output. It ran from November 24, 2018, to March 11, 2019, offering visitors a comprehensive look at his evolution as a cartoonist and storyteller. An accompanying exhibit catalogue of the same title was published by Allary Éditions, further documenting the scope and significance of his work.
6. Awards and Honors
Riad Sattouf has received significant recognition for his contributions to both the comic and film industries, earning numerous prestigious awards that highlight his talent and impact as a versatile artist.
6.1. Comic Awards
Sattouf's comic works have garnered critical acclaim and a substantial list of awards:
- In 2003, he received the Angoulême International Comics Festival René Goscinny award for Les pauvres aventures de Jérémy, specifically for volume 1, Les jolis pieds de Florence. This award celebrates a young cartoonist's promising work.
- In 2007, he was honored with the Jacques Lob Prize for Pascal Brutal, volume 2, Le mâle dominant, recognizing his mastery in comic writing.
- In 2008, his highly popular series La vie secrète des jeunes was awarded the Globes de Cristal Award for best cartoon, acknowledging its cultural impact.
- In 2010, the Angoulême International Comics Festival bestowed upon him its highly coveted Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for Best Album for Pascal Brutal, volume 3, Plus fort que les plus forts, published by Fluide Glacial. This award is a testament to the quality and significance of his comic art.
- Between 2014 and 2015, L'Arabe du futur, volume 1, subtitled Une jeunesse au Moyen-Orient (1978-1984), achieved widespread recognition. It notably won the Grand prix RTL de la bande dessinée, the Prix BD Stas/Ville de Saint-Étienne, and, for the second time in Sattouf's career, the Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for Best Album. This marked a significant milestone, solidifying The Arab of the Future as a major work.
6.2. Film Awards
Sattouf's venture into filmmaking has also been met with critical success, particularly for his debut film:
- In 2010, the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma (Académie des Césars) recognized his directorial talent with the prestigious César Award for Best Debut for his film The French Kissers. This award highlighted his successful transition from comics to cinema and his ability to resonate with a wide audience through film.
7. Controversies and Personal Disclosures
In 2018, Riad Sattouf made a significant personal disclosure regarding his father, who serves as a central character in his acclaimed graphic memoir series, L'Arabe du futur. This revelation, made in an interview, shed light on a complex "family secret" that profoundly influenced the narrative of his work.
Sattouf revealed that his father held fiercely antisemitic views and was a staunch supporter of an authoritarian political ideology. He also worked in Saudi Arabia, where he supported the death penalty and subscribed to Pan-Arabism and the principles of the authoritarian Ba'ath movement under Hafez al-Assad. This disclosure provided a deeper understanding of the challenging and often contradictory influences present in Sattouf's childhood, as depicted in The Arab of the Future. While the series had already explored the cultural and political complexities of his upbringing, this personal revelation underscored the profound ideological conflicts and the search for understanding that underpin the memoir.
8. Bibliography
Riad Sattouf is a prolific author and illustrator of numerous comic books and graphic novels, known for their distinctive style and thematic depth.
8.1. Comic Books
- 2003: Manuel du puceau (Bréal Jeunesse, Rosny-sous-Bois)
- 2004: Ma circoncision (Bréal Jeunesse, Rosny-sous-Bois)
- 2004: No Sex in New York (Dargaud collection, Poisson Pilote, Paris)
- 2005: Retour au collège (Hachette Littératures collection, La Fouine Illustrée, Paris)
- 2007: La vie secrète des jeunes, (L'Association collection, Ciboulette, Paris)
- L'Arabe du futur: Une jeunesse au Moyen-Orient, (Allary éditions, Paris). In English translation as The Arab of the Future: A Childhood in the Middle East (Henry Holt, New York).
- 2014: Vol. 1: 1978-1984
- 2015: Vol. 2: 1984-1985
- 2016: Vol. 3: 1985-1987
- 2018: Vol. 4: 1987-1992
- 2020: Vol. 5: 1992-1994
- Les Pauvres Aventures de Jérémie (Dargaud, Paris)
- 2003: Les Jolis Pieds de Florence
- 2004: Le pays de la soif
- 2005: Le rêve de Jérémie
- Pipit Farlouse (Milan, Toulouse)
- 2005: La couvée de l'angoisse
- 2006: La route de L'Afrique
- Laura et Patrick (Lito collection Onomatopée, Champigny-sur-Marne)
- 2006: Les jeunes de la jungle (Story by Riad Sattouf, drawings by Mathieu Sapin)
- Pascal Brutal (Fluide glacial, Paris)
- 2006: La nouvelle virilité
- 2007: Le mâle dominant
- 2009: Plus fort que les plus forts
- Les cahiers d'Esther (Allary). In English translation as Esther's Notebooks (London: Pushkin Press).
- 2016: Histoires de mes 10 ans
- 2017: Histoires de mes 11 ans
- 2017: Histoires de mes 12 ans
- 2019: Histoires de mes 13 ans
- 2020: Histoires de mes 14 ans
- Collaborations with Éric Corbeyran (story writer) / Riad Sattouf (drawing):
- Petit Verglas Delcourt collection Conquistador, Paris
- 2000: L'Enfance volée
- 2001: La Table de pierre
- 2002: Le Pacte du naufrageur
- Petit Verglas Delcourt collection Conquistador, Paris
9. Filmography
Riad Sattouf has engaged in various film projects, demonstrating his versatility as a storyteller and artist across different mediums.
9.1. Directed Films
- 2009: Les Beaux Gosses (The French Kissers) - Director, writer, musician, and actor
- 2010: Mes colocs - Director and writer of the web series
- 2014: Jacky in Women's Kingdom (Jacky au royaume des filles) - Director, writer, musician, and actor
9.2. Acting and Voice Roles
- 2003: Petit vampire - Scenario and voice-over for a TV series of animated cartoons by Joann Sfar.
- 2010: Gainsbourg, vie héroïque, directed by Joann Sfar - acting role as Fréhel's gigolo.