The Paul Flat Prize was awarded to Robert Brasillach in 1935, a decade before his life ended at the Fort de Montrouge. Educated at Lycée Louis-le-Grand and the École Normale Supérieure, he maintained a career as a writer, poet, translator, journalist, and film critic within the French literary sphere, while holding a contentious position in political journalism.
Early Career and Literary Output
Born in 1909 in Perpignan, Brasillach established himself as a contributor to Action française and later served as an editor for the newspaper Je suis partout. His literary production included poetry, prose, and diverse non-fiction works. Among his notable publications are The Seven Colors and the Anthologie de la poésie grecque, works that reflect his engagement with both creative writing and professional literary critique.
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Brasillach exerted significant influence as a film critic, notably through the 1935 publication Histoire du cinéma, co-authored with his brother-in-law Maurice Bardèche. His analytical interests spanned from Soviet directors like Eisenstein to Hollywood figures such as John Ford and Frank Borzage, maintaining a consistent interest in cinematic aesthetics throughout his career.
Political Activities and Collaboration
His political life was defined by his vocal support for fascist movements, including the Rexist party of Leon Degrelle and the Falangist movement of José Antonio Primo de Rivera. During the early 1940s, he advocated for stronger ties between France and Germany through groups such as Groupe Collaboration. His journalism included public denunciations and support for measures against political opponents, leading to his increased prominence in extremist publications like Révolution nationale and le Petit Parisien.
Legal Proceedings and Death
Following the liberation of France, Brasillach surrendered on 14 September 1944. He stood trial in Paris on 19 January 1945. The proceedings addressed his public advocacy for collaboration and his incendiary journalistic work. Despite calls for clemency, Charles de Gaulle refused to grant a pardon. He was executed by firing squad at the Fort de Montrouge on 6 February 1945 and is buried at the Cimetière de Charonne.
Fast facts
- Born: 1909, Perpignan
- Died: 6 February 1945, Fort de Montrouge
- Education: Lycée Louis-le-Grand, École Normale Supérieure
- Major Award: Paul Flat Prize (1935)
- Primary Employer: Je suis partout
- Burial Site: Cimetière de Charonne
Questions readers ask
What was the main outcome of Brasillach's 1945 trial?
He was sentenced to death for his activities as a collaborator and writer, and he was executed by firing squad after his request for a pardon was denied.
Was he only involved in political journalism?
No, he was also a noted critic of cinema and literature, co-authoring a history of film and translating various works.
Achievements
- Paul Flat Prize — 1935
- Notable work: The Seven Colors
- Notable work: Anthologie de la poésie grecque
