Deputy Director of Maison Gainsbourg, Ben Attal was invited to talk about this new function in the columns of M, the magazine of the Worldreleased on newsstands on Thursday March 7, 2024. During the interview, the eldest son of Charlotte Gainsbourg and Yvan Attal did not hold back when talking about his grandfather, Serge Gainsbourg, who died in 1991. He also clarified that it was the first time that he took this position, because he had very little respect for his grandfather. “I found him rude, disgusting, an alcoholic,” he confided. “I am rediscovering this gentleman, whom I have always hated.” Ben Attal says that with this new function, he now learns to appreciate Serge Gainsbourg a little more. “During my rounds at the museum, I come face to face with him on the videos. Quite funny, it’s true, and well dressed.”
Did he listen to his grandfather’s music?
In 2021, Ben Attal confided in the columns of Madame Figaro. He admitted not having really listened to the sounds of his ancestor. “I haven’t tried to listen to his songs yet, even if some have fallen into my ear, I’m saving them for later.” On the film side, Charlotte Gainsbourg’s son was no further ahead. He revealed that he had not seen The Effronteeone of the defining films of his mother’s career. “On my mother’s side, I come from a very exposed and rock’n’roll family” he said. “I didn’t know my grandfather, unfortunately.” If he does not seem to hold his grandfather in his heart, Ben Attal also experienced some disagreements with his mother, Charlotte Gainsbourg. They shared the screen in two films directed by Yvan Attal: My stupid dog And Human things. They would have had difficulty getting along on the film set, according to Madame Figaro. “For years, we were at war and now we see each other every day, it’s funny. She doesn’t even pick up when I call anymore because she knows I’m going to talk to her about work” confided his son. A mother-son relationship that is improving.