Maxime Lachaud, a cinephile and tireless traveler, has just released “Shockroads: from American nightmares to dream films” (Timeless editions), an exciting book that combines a travelogue with a dive into the strangest films. He will be at Ombres Blanches this Saturday.
Born in 1975 in Carcassonne, Maxime Lachaud is a writer, director, and journalist. In Toulouse, he is a familiar figure in the underground scene, often seen at events like Extrême Cinéma or Fifigrot, where he is one of the programmers. His latest book, “Shockroads,” brings together his two great passions: cinema and travel.
In his own unique style, Max shares his passions through the form of a narrative, allowing readers to (re)discover strange, grotesque, or ingenious works that represent a fascinating map of parallel cinephilia.
Throughout the book, works like “Lolly Madonna” by Richard C. Sarafian, “The Reflecting Skin” by Philip Ridley, and the unsettling cinema of the Quay brothers emerge with anecdotes and stories, richly illustrated with posters and photographs taken by the author himself.
One of the strengths of “Shockroads” lies in the approach taken by Maxime Lachaud, who visited the filming locations of his favorite films to capture the atmosphere and meet filmmakers and writers – including a rare three-week encounter with cult writer Harry Crews.
The chapters dedicated to the southern United States – with its bayous and rednecks – are particularly captivating. More than just a list of films to watch, “Shockroads” evokes a strange world that seems to have disappeared, reflecting on the passage of time.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Maxime Lachaud this Saturday at 3:00 PM at Ombres Blanches bookstore (3, rue Mirepoix). His latest book “Shockroads: from American nightmares to dream films” is now available from Timeless editions. (304 pages, $39).
