Monster novels

Get your claws into some gruesome books: this week we're exploring monsters and their meaning in literature. "The Gargoyles of Notre-Dame" by American critic Michael Camille traces the history and symbolism behind these iconic statues. And who can forget the story that inspired David Lynch's classic film - "The Elephant Man and Other Reminiscences" from real-life doctor Frederick Treves showcases the difficulty of understanding deformity.

CULTURE CRITICS

Augustin Trapenard

Literature Critic
Jessica Michault

Fashion Critic
Amobe Mevegue

Music Critic
Sean Rose

Art Critic
Lisa Nesselson

Film Critic
Stephen Clarke

French Culture Critic

16/05/2012 - CULTURE

Cannes International Film Festival 2012 - 'You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet'

A glittering cast is assembled for the 65th Cannes Film Festival, which gets underway in the south of France today. Among those expected on the red carpet are Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Robert Pattinson, Brad Pitt, Reece Witherspoon and Kristen Stewart. A total of 22 films will compete for the coveted top prize, the Palme D’Or, including "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet" by France's Alain Resnais.

15/05/2012 - CULTURE

Tune in for some Gossip and Garbage

In today's show, our music critic Valli brings us "A Joyful Noise," the third album from American power trio Gossip. We also get a sneak peek at the much-anticipated album "Not Your Kind of People" from bubblegum pop group Garbage.

14/05/2012 - CULTURE

Daniel Buren turns Paris' Grand Palais into a monumental kaleidoscope

In today's show we head to the biggest exhibition of the week, Daniel Buren's "Monumenta" which is taking over Paris' Grand Palais with a kaleidoscope of colours. We also get a preview of another major Parisian exhibit filling up the Palais de Tokyo. The unmissable "La Triennale" which takes place every three years, showcases the work of 113 contemporary artists from over 40 countries.

11/05/2012 - CULTURE

Why the Brits are disappointed in the French election results

Coming up in today's Carte Blanche, Stephen Clarke explains why British and American press were trying to influence the election, to get the French to vote for their favourite candidate, Monsieur Sarkozy, and why, as usual, the French ignored the advice of the "Anglo-Saxons" and elected François Hollande.

10/05/2012 - CULTURE

The beat goes on for "On the Road" author Jack Kerouac

Coming up in today's literary review, we pay our respects to "Where the Wild Things Are" creator Maurice Sendak, children's literature icon who's died at age 83. Also on the show, we look at the Kerouac revival going on here in France. With a film adaptaion of "On the Road", the original 120-foot scroll on display for the first time in Paris and two previously unpublished works by the Beat Generation icon just out, Augustin Trapenard will prove that the beat definitely does go on!