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RobbeGrillet Alain

Aug 18, 1922

Rating : AA (Data from a birth certificate)

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  • Leo
    Lagan

Remembering Since 2008

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Death:Death, Cause unspecified 18 February 2008 (Age 85 in Caen, France) chart Placidus Equal_H.

Ai Generated Biography Biography

French novelist, screenwriter and director. First trained as an agricultural engineer, he turned to writing and became a leading figure in the new school of French letters. He presents the concept that the physical world is the only true reality and that perception must come through the physical experience and not through consciousness. He is considered the originator of the French "new novel" in which the story is subordinated to structure and the significance of external reality is stressed over psychological motivation or plot development. Alain Robbe-Grillet was born of immigrant parents from the Jura. His father, Gaston Robbe-Grillet, was an engineer. His mother was Yvonne (Canu) Robbe-Grillet. He attended Lycées de Brest, Lycées Buffon and St. Louis. During World War II he was deported to work in a German tank factory. In 1944 he received a diploma from the National Institute of Agronomy. From 1945 to 1951 he studied at the National Statistical Institute in Paris and the Institute of Colonial Fruits and Crops. He has worked as an agronomist, and since 1955 as a literary consultant at a publishing house, Les Editions de Minuit, which publishes his own books as well as those of other several others associated with the "nouveau roman." "The Erasers," 1953, was his first novel, featuring an ingenious transposition of the Oedipus myth into the framework of a modern detective story. Critical attention has focused particularly on Grillet’s obsessively detailed and mathematically precise description of things. "The Voyeur," 1955, illustrates his preoccupation with psychosadism. "Jealousy," 1957, is the most famous of this genre from the 1950s. "La Maison de Rendez-vous," 1965, used several contradictory points of view. Robbe-Grillet’s emphasis on visuals led him to writing and directing films in the 1960s. The most famous dramatization of his literary theories is his screenplay for "Last Year at Mariebad," 1962. In 1984 he published "Ghosts in the Mirror," the first of an autobiographical trilogy, "Romanesques." His later works reflect the belief of Claude Simon that "everything is autobiographical, even the imaginary." The writer/film maker died on February 18, 2008 at age 85 in a Caen, France hospital. He had been hospitalized a few days earlier for a cardiac problem. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less

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Update at: Sep 13, 2025
Alain Robbe-Grillet Profile

Alain Robbe-Grillet

Date of Birth: August 18, 1922

Place of Birth: Brest, France

Biography

Alain Robbe-Grillet was a French writer and filmmaker, born in Brest, France. He was a leading figure in the Nouveau Roman (New Novel) literary movement. His innovative narrative techniques and exploration of the nature of reality and perception distinguished his work. Robbe-Grillet's novels often featured fragmented plots and unreliable narrators, challenging traditional storytelling conventions.

Literary Contributions

Robbe-Grillet's notable works include "The Erasers" (1953), "Jealousy" (1957), and "In the Labyrinth" (1959). These novels exemplify his unique style, characterized by detailed descriptions, minimal character development, and a focus on objects and environments. His contributions to literature have sparked discussions on the limitations of narrative and the role of the author.

Filmography

In addition to his literary achievements, Robbe-Grillet ventured into filmmaking. He wrote and directed several films, including "Last Year at Marienbad" (1961), a collaboration with director Alain Resnais. The film received critical acclaim for its dreamlike narrative and visual style. Robbe-Grillet continued to explore the intersection of literature and cinema, creating films such as "Trans-Europ-Express" (1966) and "Eden and After" (1970).

Recent Projects and News

While Alain Robbe-Grillet passed away in 2008, his work continues to influence writers, filmmakers, and scholars. Recent scholarly projects have focused on the digital archiving of his manuscripts and correspondences, allowing researchers to delve deeper into his creative process. Retrospectives of his films and literary works are periodically organized, celebrating his legacy in the arts.

Social Media Presence

As Robbe-Grillet lived in a pre-social media era, he did not have a direct presence on contemporary platforms. However, fan pages and literary groups dedicated to his work are active on various social media channels, where enthusiasts discuss his contributions and share insights into his complex narratives.

Legacy

Alain Robbe-Grillet's exploration of narrative structures and his challenge to traditional storytelling have left a lasting impact on modern literature and film. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its innovative approach, inspiring new generations of writers and filmmakers to push the boundaries of their respective mediums.