This edition first published 2011

© 2011 Richard Neupert

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Neupert, Richard John.

French animation history / Richard Neupert.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-4443-3836-2 (hardcover: alk. paper) 1. Animated films–France– History and criticism. I. Title.

NC1766.F8N48 2011

791.43′0340944–dc22

2010034206

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

This book is published in the following electronic formats:

ePDF 9781444392562

epub 9781444392579

oBook 9781444392586

In memory of my parents

John and Caroline Neupert

Acknowledgments

This book is shaped by an enduring curiosity about French cinema. It has already been 30 years since I first studied cinema in Paris, and I have remained fascinated with French film production and its history. I owe a great deal to many influential French professors, some now good friends, from those days on, including Peter Schofer, Rick Altman, Jacques Aumont, Michel Marie, and Marc Vernet. Christian Metz even sat down with me long ago to share tips on titles and sources from his box of note cards for some of my earliest studies of cartoons. Marc Vernet continues to provide unparalleled insight and assistance, complete with his trademark wit and humor. Closer to home, David Bordwell, Kelley Conway, Eric Smoodin, Jim Peterson, and Matthew Bernstein remain constant sources of valuable information and encouragement. Here at the University of Georgia, a host of wonderful friends and colleagues have supported and contributed to this project, including Franklin College of Arts and Sciences Deans Garnett Stokes and Hugh Ruppersburg, my Department Head David Saltz, and Betty Jean Craige, Director of the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts. Crucial research and travel support came from the University of Georgia Foundation and the generous Charles H. Wheatley Professorship. I also owe a great debt, both professionally and personally, to President Michael Adams and Provost Arnett Mace.

Thankfully, my Film Studies colleagues Antje Ascheid, Chris Sieving, and Mike Hussey, as well as Jonathan Krell, Nina Hellerstein, Doris Kadish, Jean-Pierre Piriou, and Francis Assaf in French, have been very helpful fielding queries, suggesting translations, and patiently listening to me describe a latest find. Allison Lenhardt provided important feedback on early drafts of most chapters, Josh Marsh was always willing to help with images, and Kristin Nielsen and the staff from the UGA libraries repeatedly delivered pleasant and prompt assistance. And, I offer heartfelt thanks to all the bright, earnest students in my History of Animation and French Film courses. The creative and patient experts at Wiley-Blackwell, and especially Jayne Fargnoli and Margot Morse, have been a joy to work with.

Finally, I thank my wife Catherine Jones and daughter Sophie Neupert. Cathy is not only the perfect French scholar, and my first and best reader, she is the greatest of inspirations. Sophie brings a bright, unique joy to every single day. No one could find a better pair of travel companions for this or any other journey.

Screenshots from Kirikou and the Sorceress and Triplets of Belleville are reproduced courtesy of Les Armateurs.

Kirikou et la sorcière, De Michel Ocelot, © 1998 Les Armateurs/Odec Kid Cartoons/France 3 Cinéma/Monipoly/Trans Europe Film/Exposure/RTBF/Studio O

Les Triplettes de Belleville, De Sylvain Chomet, © 2002 Les Armateurs/Production Champion/Vivi Film/France 3 Cinéma/Sylvain Chomet/RGP France