French comedian Jonathan Lambert said his new comedic photo-novel is titled "Qui a volé mes jambes ?" during an appearance on the France Inter program "À la régulière" [1].
The project represents a deliberate attempt to bring back the photo-novel, a storytelling format that has largely fallen out of favor in modern publishing [2]. By blending photography with narrative captions, Lambert aims to use the medium for humor and satirical effect [2].
During the broadcast on France Inter, Lambert said he used a specific creative process behind the work [1]. The photo-novel format allows for a specific type of visual timing that differs from traditional comic strips or prose novels. This approach enables the author to play with the juxtaposition of static images and absurd dialogue to drive the comedy [2].
Lambert's decision to use this specific medium is part of a broader interest in exploring nostalgic or underutilized artistic formats [2]. The discussion on "À la régulière" focused on how the photo-novel can be adapted for a contemporary audience while maintaining the kitsch appeal of the original genre [1].
While the photo-novel was once a staple of popular culture, it has been largely replaced by digital media and graphic novels. Lambert's work seeks to challenge this trend by proving the format's viability as a tool for modern comedy [2].
“Jonathan Lambert discussed his new comedic photo-novel titled "Qui a volé mes jambes ?"”
The revival of the photo-novel by a mainstream comedian suggests a growing interest in 'analog' or retro storytelling formats among creators. By utilizing a medium that bridges the gap between cinema and literature, Lambert is experimenting with visual comedy in a way that resists the dominance of short-form digital video.
