Pierre Bénichou: An Inclassifiable Portrait of a Media Maverick

Benjamin Puech, a young journalist from Le Figaro, has penned a unique and engaging book, Pierre Bénichou, une figure de style, that defies simple categorization. It straddles the line between a traditional biography and a personal narrative, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved yet complex figure in French media and humor. Puech’s passion for Bénichou, a man often described as a "dinosaur" of the media landscape, shines through in this meticulously researched and anecdote-rich portrait.

Frédéric Beigbeder aptly sums up Bénichou’s enduring appeal, stating, "I don’t see any equivalent personalities today, in freedom, in madness, in humor." The book delves into the essence of this singular individual, exploring his multifaceted personality and the profound impact he had on French culture.

Puech’s journey into Bénichou’s world began unexpectedly. He admits that he was initially unfamiliar with Bénichou, even his name. However, tasked with writing an article about his death on March 31, 2020, Puech experienced a revelation. Listening to Bénichou’s voice and absorbing his distinctive style, he felt an immediate connection. He recognized a unique voice, markedly different from the prevailing media personalities. This sparked a quest to understand the man behind the microphone.

Puech discovered that Bénichou had authored only one book, Les absents, levez le doigt!, published in 2017. He was deeply impressed by its literary merit, noting the freedom and precision of Bénichou’s writing. Further exploration revealed the panache and inherent flair that Bénichou brought to his life.

Puech’s curiosity extended beyond Bénichou’s public persona. He was equally fascinated by the inner workings of journalism during Bénichou’s era. He sought to understand how newspapers captivated readers and how Bénichou, in particular, mastered the art of storytelling. Whether writing concise "tragedies" about celebrities for Jour de France or capturing the zeitgeist for Le Nouvel Observateur, Bénichou possessed a rare ability to engage and provoke thought.

Puech highlights Bénichou’s talent for crafting narratives that resonated with readers. He emphasizes the importance of personal perspective and a touch of unconventionality in journalism. Bénichou, often labeled a "big mouth," was also a learned and erudite figure, deeply devoted to journalism and literature. He belonged to a generation that seamlessly blended the worlds of media and letters. Puech views Bénichou as a free spirit, shaped by his upbringing in a culturally rich environment in Oran, Algeria. Catherine Camus, daughter of Albert Camus, recalls the sharp wit and humor that pervaded Bénichou’s family.

A key theme that emerges from the book is diversity. Bénichou embraced a wide range of experiences and relationships, reflected in the impressive array of individuals who offered their testimonials: Franz-Olivier Giesbert, Frédéric Beigbeder, Laurent Ruquier, Nicoletta, Clémentine Dabadie, and even François Hollande. This diverse tapestry of voices paints a comprehensive picture of Bénichou’s life and influence.

Puech acknowledges that his book is not a conventional biography. Rather, it is a compilation of perspectives that, in their multiplicity, offer a nuanced understanding of Bénichou. His research was extensive, involving countless hours at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, poring over old articles and tracking down individuals who knew Bénichou personally. This dedication led him to uncover varying and sometimes contradictory accounts of Bénichou’s life. Puech embraced these discrepancies, recognizing that definitive answers may not be possible or even necessary to truly capture the essence of a complex individual.

One particularly challenging period in Puech’s research involved tracing Bénichou’s activities in the late 1950s. Despite his efforts, Bénichou seemed to vanish from the historical record. Puech speculates that he may have been writing under a pseudonym or not signing his articles at all, a common practice at the time. He eventually rediscovered Bénichou through an interview he conducted with Brigitte Bardot on June 13, 1958. Bénichou’s connection to Bardot stemmed from his acquaintance with her former partner, Roger Vadim. Puech appreciates the interview’s lively and incisive nature. He also admires Bénichou’s later obituaries for deceased friends in Le Nouvel Observateur, particularly his tribute to Robert Scipion, a crossword puzzle creator. These writings showcase Bénichou’s artistry, sensitivity, and refusal to compromise on the quality of his prose.

The book also examines Bénichou’s experience with the Algerian War, a deeply personal and painful chapter in his life. Like his friend Albert Camus, Bénichou grappled with the conflict and the complex relationship between France and Algerian Jews. Having left Algeria before the war, Bénichou initially sympathized with the independence movement before shifting his views. Puech suggests that Bénichou’s anger became focused on Charles de Gaulle, mirroring the sentiments of many Pieds-Noirs who felt betrayed by the French government. Bénichou also shared the concerns of his father, a staunch pacifist, who feared for the future of the Pieds-Noirs under an independent Algerian government.

Puech sheds light on Bénichou’s later career, particularly his involvement with the popular radio shows "On va s’gêner" and "Les Grosses Têtes." For decades, Bénichou reserved his humor for his close circle of friends, sharing it in intimate settings like the legendary Castel nightclub. His humor was deeply personal, less a calculated performance and more a way of life. Puech emphasizes that Bénichou was not one to exert himself unnecessarily. He saw humor as a means of embracing the absurdity of life, arguing that levity and profundity are not mutually exclusive. Radio provided Bénichou with a larger platform to showcase his wit and irreverence. He became a celebrated "character," known for his strong opinions, dark humor, and poetic sensibilities. He was never afraid to push boundaries, a quality that Franz-Olivier Giesbert praised, noting that Bénichou’s humor was so brilliant that it was sometimes embarrassing to laugh. Laurent Ruquier, recognizing Bénichou’s talent, encouraged his improvisations, contributing significantly to his success. Bénichou, in turn, became a cornerstone of the show. His unpredictable and often tempestuous nature – arriving late, falling asleep on air, and teasing listeners – was simply the other side of his brilliance. Pierre Bénichou, in essence, refused to conform.