Encounter with the wolves
and other stories
Written by the students of 2nde 2 (Lycée Alfred Mézières) Year 2014-­‐2015 Some of these stories happened, and some of them did not. Did Steve Jobs really get his inspiration from Alan Turing’s suicide when he created his famous brand logo? Did Johnny Depp and Jim Carrey fight to get the main role in Pirates of the Carribeans? Did James Cameron steal the idea of Titanic to Tim Burton? Did young Hugh Jackman’s meeting with a wolf make him want to play Wolverine? Was Ringo Starr originally a simple fan of the Beatles? Which of these stories are true, and which ones are false? It’s for you to decide… The apple immersed in the poisonous brew q true q false Fear of water q true q false The pirates’ fight q true q false The Titanic q true q false The real Charlot q true q false Seven years to change q true q false Encounter with the wolves q true q false The museum miracle q true q false A Starr is born q true q false The apple immersed in the poisonous brew
7 June 1954 BOOM. World war II. An empty room in London’s downtown. Outside, it’s almost 5 PM, birds are still singing, people are still running in the streets of the English capital city; and the sunbeams that cross the cloudy sky are lighting the room through the window. Everything is calm. We’re not in an ordinary place. A genius lives there, a man who helped the entire world with his talent. And the only thing he received from it was the loss of his genitals: because of his homosexuality, the most intelligent man alive had to undergo a chemical castration. What a sad world… Well, his name is Alan, and he used to seat at his desk to work on sciences or maths every evening; but tonight, the chair is empty, and the atmosphere is heavy. There is just a sheet of paper on the desk. Something is written on it: this is a letter. A goodbye letter. « Dear life, I think you’ve betrayed me but I’m not mad. I am actually writing my last words. It’s not how I had planned to finish my life. But now for me it seems that it is the only option. Five years ago, I had never thought I would do that but when I think about my life today, and about all the injustice, for me it’s just like a piece of evidence. Don’t treat me like a selfish man because I don’t feel guilty about that. Nobody deserves to live that, nobody has to suffer until they reach this point of wanting to put an end to their life. My dear life, you are made of wickedness and pain and leaving you is going to be the best thing I have ever done in my entire life. The world goes wrong and I don’t want to see it in 20 years. Is the human race going to continue to be this intolerant? Will different people always be rejected? Maybe I am too naive and I am expecting too much from life and love. But it has always been my vision of happiness. If you ask me why I have decided that tonight is the night I will die, please just take a look around and observe this society that is completely devastated. It is hard to realize that life isn’t like in your favorite book or your favorite movie. All I ever wanted here is a little bit of magic in my existence but all I had is suffering, tears and misfortune. So today I am leaving for some other place, where I will find inner peace and maybe, who knows, the love I deserve. I thought a lot of time before taking this decision but I can’t stand anything now, no more. I have no reasons left to live: a part of my body; a part of me is gone forever. I suffer and especially because I can’t love who I want. That’s the thing that hurts most. I have always dreamt about the « one true love » and I continue to hope that one day my prince will come. So the time for me to say goodbye has come. I am going to leave the trace of my teeth in this apple and finally start a long sleep full of dreams. Poison is not mortal, not like you. Sweet life, you were very hard to me but I forgive you everything, once and for all. And if I should say one last thing to all those who are “different”: “Don’t be weak like I used to be and never stop trying to be the best you can be. Be brave.” With all my love, Alan » The red apple felt on the floor. Los Altos, 1976 Sitting in his parent’s garage, on the noisy rocking chair, Steve was thinking. The summer was hot, the sun was high in the sky. The man was bored so he watched the television. By a summer afternoon there were only animated cartoons. This day, there was a Disney movie, the title of which Steve forgot. Just a detail drew his attention: the poisoned apple the heroin ate before she fell asleep forever until her prince charming delivered her with a true love kiss. This story looked pretty familiar to him, why? Maybe because it was the exact same thing that the great Alan Turing had tried to recreate when he killed himself almost twenty years ago. Alan Turing, aka the Man with a capital M, that led Hut 8. The man who found the codes against the German’s terrible machine Enigma. When he created his first computer, he decided to call it Apple 1. The logo of his brand was and still is a bitten apple. Steve was also an inventor, and nowadays, he is considered as one of the greatest computer pioneers. So like the others, he wanted to thank Alan for everything he gave us. The mystery Alan Turing's life began on June 23, 1912 (the year the Titanic drowned). At a young age, he was already a genius. He went to the Sherbone School and became particularly interested in mathematics and sciences. After Sherbone, Alan went to the University of Cambridge in England. In 1936, Turing delivered a paper, "On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungs problem", in which he presented the notion of a universal machine capable of computing anything that was computable. The central concept of the modern computer was based on Turing's paper. In 1952 Turing called the police after a break-­‐in and admitted them that he had had a sexual relationships with a 19 year-­‐old-­‐man and got arrested for "gross indecency". At that time homosexuality was illegal in the United Kingdom. Following his arrest, Turing was forced to choose between jail and chemical castration. He chose the second solution. Sad with his life, in June 1954, Turing died at the age of 42. He committed suicide with a poisoned apple... Did Steve Jobs really get his inspiration from Alan Turing’s suicide when he created his famous brand logo? Written by Emma, Joséphine, Lola & Nina The pirates’ fight
Walt Disney Studio, Hollywood, 2001 In the office, it was very calm. The director of the Disney studio and Jerry Bruckheimer, a famous producer, were talking about a new movie. They decided to call Gore Verbinsky, a good scriptwriter. Gore Verbinsky wanted to do a new pirate movie, a movie which would take place in the Caribbeans. He wanted a film with fights between pirates. For this movie, they needed the best actor for the role of Jack Sparrow. So Gore thought of Jim Carrey because he was a good actor. But Johnny Depp was good too. Finally the producer and the director took a decision: they sent an email both to Jim Carrey and Johnny Depp because they didn't know which actor to choose. Two weeks later, Jim Carrey went the first into the studio. He showed his experience by playing a scene written by Gore. He had to run on a boat and tell the script very loud. The following day, Johnny Depp came in the studio too. He talked about the movie with the director too. After, Johnny showed his experience too: he played exactly the same scene as Jim Carrey. Jerry Bruckheimer was impressed by the performance of Jim Carrey but the scriptwriter preferred Johnny Depp because he was crazier than Jim. At the end, they summoned both Johnny Depp and Jim Carrey. When Johnny arrived at the studio, he was very anxious -­‐ he really wanted to play in the film. But when he came in the office, he saw Jim Carrey who was talking with the director. He was in a state of shock. Jim Carrey was also very surprised: he thought he was the only possible actor for the part of Jack Sparrow. So he took that very badly and he said: " Johnny, what are you doing here? " " I'm here to play Jack Sparrow, and you? " " It's my part. " " No, I’m the only actor meant for this part. " " You are a little bastard! " After this short discussion, Jim slammed Johnny Depp’s face, but the latter tried to defend himself and he pushed Jim against the wall. Jim Carrey fell on the floor and cried. When he stood up, he hit the director. The director fell against the desk. He was disorientated. When he regained consciousness, he was very angry. That’s why the producer decided to give the role to Johnny Depp. But Jim didn't care about that because he had another proposition for a role and he left the room very violently. At the end, Johnny Depp had two broken teeth and some bruises. The producer had a broken hand and a broken nose. The door of the room was also broken. The mystery Johnny Depp is an actor born on June, 9th 1963. He wanted to have the role of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbeans, but Jim Carrey went first to have the role in 2001. James Eugene Carrey is more famous under the name of Jim Carrey. He was born on January, 17th 1962. He accepted another role and Johnny Depp finally obtained the role. Did Johnny Depp and Jim Carrey fight to get the main role in Pirates of the Carribeans? Written by Alexandre, Assel, Nicolas & Nicolas Fear of water
When he was a kid, Michael Jordan was called « Black Cat » by his friends. He was my friend and I used to call him by his nickname. I had known him for a long time and I often played basketball with him. Today was the very first time we were going to the pool and we were all a little scared in the dressing room, talking about the fear of drowning. We took a shower to wet our bodies and we headed to the pool. The first exercise was to jump in the water. The bravest were already in the pool, laughing and trying to swim. I was with Michael. We were wondering if we should go with them. Suddenly, John, the « terror » of the class, came behind Michael and pushed him. Michael fell in the water and started screaming. We could all see the fear in his eyes and everyone stared at him, wondering why he was in such a state. The teacher yelled: « Move your feet, Michael! Try not to drown! » Everyone was looking at Michael, asking questions such as « What is he doing ? » « Why is he screaming ? ». No one helped. No one. That broke my heart, it looked like they were torturing him. I took a buoy and jumped. I was really scared but I had to help my friend all the same. Everybody was laughing. When I got close enough to him, I asked him why he was not going out of the water and he said something I didn’t catch. He was actually saying that his sweamsuit had gone in the little hole at the bottom of the pool. The teacher was looking at us, losing his patience. He decided to take Michael out of the water by himself but he didn't know that the Black Cat was naked. Michael was almost crying, he was ashamed to say he was naked. Everybody was making fun of him, it was horrible. The teacher actually took him out of the water and Michael was completely naked in front of all his friends. I remember looking at him – I really felt sorry for him. A girl named Alice screamed and gave him a towel to cover his body. He was red with shame and his legs were shaking. Everybody was laughing – he ran away, crying. I followed him and the teacher came with me. I didn't know what to do or to say and the teacher looked at me sadly. It was because of him that it happened. He probably felt really guilty. We looked for Michael, thinking he was hiding in the showers or in the dressing room but he wasn't there, so we started to go to the corridors and we found him all alone. He was sitting in a dark corner and he was still crying. I sat next to him and I talked to him. I needed to make him feel better and I wanted him to forget what had happened. The teacher and I cheered him up, and we made him smile and laugh by telling him jokes. I was really glad to see he was feeling better. The teacher said to the other pupils that it was absolutely forbidden to make fun of Michael because that kind of thing could happen to everyone and because it was really mean to make fun of someone in that kind of situation. After this little speech, we learnt how to swim without Michael. He was afraid to come with us so he just looked at us, sitting on a bench. When the lesson was finished, we all took a shower and went back to the dressing room to get dressed. Everybody talked to Michael to cheer him up and I was really happy to see how nice they were with him. We dryed our hair, packed our bags, put on our coats and went to the bus to go back to the school. I remember the Black Cat joking and saying he would never go back to the pool. The mystery Michael Jordan was born in 1963 in New York. He is a famous basketball player and he played 15 seasons in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. He is also known for endorsing the brand Nike. Was Michael Jordan scared of water when he was young? Written by Dylan, Gautier, Léo & Marion The real Charlot
Theater of San Francisco, 1915 In the 20th century, during the first world war, Adolf Hitler got hurt and was sent to a hospital in San Francisco to recover. When he left the hospital, he heard about this contest for Charlot’s best double. As a great fan of Charlot, he decided to take part in the contest. He went to the theater and saw a bunch of doubles, he was afraid of the competition but at the same time he was confident because he knew that he was a good double. « Hello everyone! Welcome to the biggest contest ever seen for the best Charlot’s double. I’m James, the presenter of this show. You will pass one by one in alphabetical order. Our jury is composed of three famous personalities of our generation: David Przepiörka, the most famous chess player in Poland, also the winner of the big Polish competition. Natalia Cheremetievskaïa, a countess of Russia. And Arthur Maude, an English scriptwriter. They will note you each out of 10. Good luck to you all! » The contest began. 13 people went in front of the jury. One of them fell before he reached the stage. Another vomited due to his stress. Another had made a mistake -­‐ he thought that it was a contest for clowns. Then it was Hitler’s turn. « Hello, what’s your name ? » « I’m Adolf Hitler » « Where do you come from? » « I’m from Germany » « So what are you doing here, I mean in San Francisco? » « I just wanted to discover your country and then I heard about this contest » « Ok, young man. You can start. » Then, he started his performance. « What an amazing performance! » the jury said. It was the turn of a mysterious man called Victor. He was wearing tramp clothes, a derby hat, a small moustache. He had unkempt hair and was pretty small. He started his performance with the much vaunted penguin walk with a stick. Then he reproduced some of Charlot’s famous funny faces. The jury seemed not too satisfied at the end of his show. Numerous candidates did their performances. When all of them finished, James said « So everyone, it’s time for the results! You were all amazing, but there will be only one winner. To begin, David. What do you think about the last event? » « So, all of them were wonderful, but only one really deserves to win. » « Thank you David, and you, Natalia? » « I enjoyed this experience, it was funny. I share David’s point of view. » « Thank you, beautiful Natalia. Do you have something else to say Arthur or? » « Yes, yes. It was very diverting. I want to say that it’s not the most important to win. » « Thank you, you three. Now, I have in my right hand the results. The last is Georges… the 40th is Harry…. the 35th is Mickael.. the 27th is Victor… the 13th is William.. the 7th is Liam…the 3rd is Scott, the 2nd is Jordan and the winner is….. Adolf Hitler!! I think that the jury had the same point of view, and I agree with them. Adolf deserves this prize so much! Congratulations! » In the dressing room, Hitler showed his happiness. At the same time, Charlie got jealous and very angry. « I’m the real Charlie Chaplin, I was supposed to win this f****** contest. You’re just a big cheater! » « I’m not a cheater! I’m sure you’re not the real Charlie! He has so much class..! You’re just a tramp » « Give me the prize!, you don’t deserve it. I don’t care about your opinion, I’m Charlie » Hitler laughed, he said « LOL, damn looser. » He made the L with his fingers on his forehead. Charlie slapped his face. Hitler became red like a tomato, he wanted to give him back a slap but someone separated them. The jury took back Hitler’s prize and got rid of both of them. When they got out Charlie merely left and Hitler began to cry. This trouble accentuated Hitler’s hatred for the Jews… The mystery Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin (16 April 1889 – 25 December 1977) He was an English comic actor and filmmaker from London who rose to fame in the silent film era. Chaplin became a worldwide icon through his screen persona "the Tramp" and is considered one of the most important figures of the film industry. His career spanned more than 75 years, from childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977, and encompassed both adulation and controversy. Chaplin began performing at an early age, touring music halls and later working as a stage actor and comedian. At 19 he was signed to the prestigious Fred Karno company, which took him to America. Adolf Hitler (20 April 1889 – 30 April 1945) was an Austrian-­‐born German politician who was the leader of the Nazi Party. He was chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945 and Führer (leader) of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945. As effective dictator of Nazi Germany, Hitler was at the centre of World War II in Europe and the Holocaust. Hitler was a decorated veteran of World War I. He joined the German Workers' Party in 1919, and became leader of the NSDAP in 1921. In 1923, he attempted a coup in Munich to seize power. The failed coup resulted in Hitler's imprisonment, during which time he wrote his autobiography and political manifesto Mein Kampf ("My Struggle"). After his release in 1924, Hitler gained popular support by attacking the Treaty of Versailles and promoting Pan-­‐
Germanism, antisemitism, and anti-­‐communism with charismatic oratory and Nazi propaganda. Hitler frequently denounced international capitalism and communism as being part of a Jewish conspiracy. Did Charlie Chaplin really finish 27th in the contest of his own character? Written by Emilie, Laura, Lisa & Paulina The Titanic
Saturday 22nd June 1992, in Hollywood I was walking on Hollywood boulevard, thinking about a new project. The sun was burning on my neck. I saw Brad Pitt on the opposite pavement. I really like this guy. In front of a restaurant, I caught a glimpse of a familiar man who was drinking a cup of coffee. He cast a glance back at me and he waved at me. And then, I remembered him. I walked to my old school friend's table. “That can't be true! Is that you James? The great James Cameron, I'm so happy to see you!” Tim said. “Hey, Tim my old friend! How are you? I almost didn't recognize you!” I said. “Yes, I can't believe it's you! I saw you in the TV news the day your last movie TERMINATOR was released. You know, I really like it. The special effects are amazing. Congratulations! You hit the top!” he told him. “How nice of you! Thank you. I think your BATMAN was as good as my TERMINATOR. The suspense was very exciting and the soundtrack...the soundtrack...oh my god... I was so moved.” “Tell me, what are your plans? What are you working on?” I asked. “Well, I have got a terrific idea. I'm thinking of a movie on the story of the Titanic.” “Are you serious? Everybody knows the story of the Titanic! At the end, it sinks!” I said laughing. “I know, I know, but this is what you think. I am thinking of a love story, everybody will remember it, just like Romeo and Juliet. I'm not talking about a simple romance, there will be more, much more...” “It's so classic!” “No! I won't be. No, the girl will be rich and the boy poor. The girl will be among the first-­‐
class passengers in the most luxurious part of the Titanic. I will show the third-­‐class where the boy, Jack, yes, I call him Jack, lives. And there will be more, yes, I've got a lot of ideas...like flashes, visions, I see people screaming, running, desperate. The same old story: wrong place, wrong moment! Rich and poor, mixed up in hell! You think they will be saved! You hope for them, but no, a crack, and they die just trapped like rats. Yes, lots of rats trying to escape. I've got all the movie in my mind. The only problem is money -­‐ I can't find a producer. I'm still looking for one… '' And he went on telling me all the smallest details of his movie. Finally, I left the restaurant with the intention of helping my friend to find a producer. In the conference room, later "Yes, I think it's a very good idea!” Cameron's producer said. “Everybody has heard of the Titanic. With my money, your talent and our high-­‐tech special effects, everybody will feel they are on the Titanic. On top of that, add unforgettable shots and music... Oh my dear James, we could make a fortune... We are going to shoot a blockbuster, we could even win an Oscar!" What? A blockbuster, an Oscar, millions of dollars! With my help?! No, no, no way. That's not fair. Thinking about it gave me shivers. And why will I do that for him? What has he done for me? Besides, we are not very good friends. We haven't seen each other for a long time. So, why should I help him? I quickly made up my mind. "Okay, let's do it!" At the Premiere of Titanic Flashes, bright light, hundreds of paparazzi were taking photos on me. The crowd was cheering, looking at me. When Kate and Leonardo came close to me, it was just...frenzy. After three long hours of conference where the fans kept on asking questions about the movie, we were free to go at last. Suddenly, I felt frozen. I didn't expect to see him that night. Tim was yelling at the bodyguards. "I want to talk to James, that traitor! Let me in!" At that moment, he saw me and came to me furiously. "You, s... of a b..., you've stolen my screenplay! I will sue you for what you did! “Security! Take this man away. He is bothering me." I watched the man who used to be my friend leave forever as he was dragged away. The mystery James Francis Cameron was born in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada in 1954. He moved to the United States in 1971. He was the son of an engineer and he majored in physics at California State University. But after graduating, he became a truck-­‐driver to support his screenwriting ambition. He landed his first professional film job as an art director, miniature-­‐set builder, and process-­‐projection supervisor. He started as a director the following year. In 1984, he wrote and directed Terminator, a futuristic action thriller. It was a huge success. In 1990, Cameron formed his own production company, Lightstorm Entertainment. James Cameron is now one of the most sought-­‐after directors in Hollywood. Tim Burton was born in Burbank, California in 1958. After majoring in animation at the California Institute of Arts, he worked as a Disney animator for less than a year before striking out on his own. Director, producer and screenwriter, Tim Burton became known for creating visually striking films that blend themes of fantasy and horror, including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Did James Cameron steal the idea of Titanic to Tim Burton? Written by Anaïs, Anissa & Yannis Seven years to change
“Obstacles strengthen determination. One who has set a goal doesn’t change.” Leonardo da Vinci Milan, 1496 In Santa Maria Delle Grazie Convent, Leonardo da Vinci was painting a new picture, a mural which was going to become one of the most famous paintings of the world. In this painting, he wanted to represent the twelve apostles alongside Jesus during The Last Supper which is the final meal that Jesus had with his apostles in Jerusalem before being crucified. At this meal, Jesus said that one among them, his disciples, was going to betray him. The Last supper shows how the 12 disciples react to this terrible and unbelievable announcement. Leonardo did not work on the painting continuously, he had been looking for a man to be portrayed as Judas for a few months but couldn’t find the perfect villain face for him. Taken with rage fro not having a man with the height of his expectations for Judas, he ruined his work by throwing a chair at it, just where Judas’s head was supposed to appear and the canvas was torn: there was a huge hole the size of a juggling ball. One year later, Leonardo Da Vinci was in Pozzallo, Sicily for an exhibition of stunning works of art. It took place in a large, bright, clear and rich palace and there were many people happy to see this exhibition. Watching these amazing paintings and sculptures, he understood that he was an incredible painter and he realized that, as a great artist, he could not give up his current work of art. He had to go back to it and finish it So he returned to Milan to get back to work on his picture. One day as he was hanging around in a market where many merchants and craftsmen were present, to see if he could find some idea to help him portray Judas, he saw a man sitting on the ground and playing the flute. He was the one he needed. He had very dark hair and most villainous features. His strong fingers handled the instrument perfectly. He was wearing ripped rags, and obviously hadn’t washed and changed clothes for months. On his feet he had black sandals. Leonardo da Vinci asked him if he accepted to pose for him as Judas. The beggar, named Raffaello, declined the offer. Leonardo didn’t show how disappointed he was and insisted, explaining Raffaello that he was going to be in a big mural in the convent Santa Maria Delle Grazie. Then, Raffaello reconsidered the offer and agreed. Of course, Leonardo had him have a bath and took him to a very big market. They spent hours and hours looking for the perfect outfit for Raffaello. They returned with a long white tunic with a rich belt and a tight coat. Only nobles wore it. It was of a striking beauty. Raffaello felt honored. They walked down the street and all the peasants stepped aside to let them pass. Leonardo da Vinci was very happy to have found that tramp who was exactly the right person he had in mind to be Judas. He was finally ready to achieve the great work of art he had been dreaming of for years. At long last he could get back to his easel, he painted without stopping during three months. No one were missing. All the apostles were gathered around Jesus Christ : Bartholomew, James, Andrew, Judas, Peter, John, Thomas, James the Greater, Philip, Matthew, Jude, and Simon. Judas, black-­‐haired with a dark complexion and a black beard was wearing blue and green clothes. He was leaning on his right elbow and listening to Peter who was talking with John. He was holding a small bag and seemed to be shocked by Jesus Christ’s words. A few days later, Leonardo Da Vinci met up with Alesso Baldovinetti, a great painter of that time, to show him his drawing. They went to a tavern. They talked around several fine foods: sweet soup with exotic spices, pasta, swan with rose flavour and delicious desert of fruit, nuts and cheese. Of course, they drank wine. Alesso was really impressed by the picture and especially by Judas. He asked Leonardo the name of his model. “His name is Raffaello.” “Where can I find him? I would like him to pose for me.” “But he’s not a model!” “Really?” “Yes, I promise you.” “So, what does he do? “Are you sure you want to know? He is a hobo,” whispered Leonardo. “I have already seen him somewhere.” “I think you have been dreaming.” “No, no I’m sure that this man is in another picture!” “It’s impossible because this man is a tramp, he lives in the street and he doesn’t have a family.” “I swear I’ve seen him in an exhibition in France or maybe here in our country.” “I have already had many models but I had never seen this man in my life before I asked him to pose as Judas.” “How come he hasn’t got a place to live if he has worked for you?” Didn’t you pay him?” “I gave him money but I don’t know what he did with his money. Maybe he had debts, anyway it’s not my problem!” “My dear Leonardo, I don’t quite follow you. I think artists should take care of their models.” The two men quarrelled over the matter and went back home separately. Three months after this conversation, Alesso Baldovinetti was walking along the streets of Milan when he thought the man playing the flute and begging round a corner was Raffaello. He was almost sure to have recognised him. Leonardo had become famous thanks to The Last Supper and his model for Judas was begging in the street ! He went to see the model and asked: “Excuse me, weren’t you Leonardo’s model as Judas?” “Well… Yes, it’s me but why do you want to know?“ “Because I told Leonardo da Vinci that I was sure I had already seen you before Judas but Leonardo da Vinci didn’t believe me.” “Listen, I’m going to tell you something unbelievable. You are right. You have already seen me before I sat as Judas for the great master Leonardo Da Vinci. Leonardo da Vinci asked me to sit for him as Jesus seven years ago!” The mystery Leonardo di Ser Piero also called Leonardo da Vinci (1452-­‐1519) was an artist during the Italian Renaissance. He is considered by many to be one of the most talented and intelligent people of all time. He had a great influence on the history of art. He was not only an artist but also an inventor, an engineer, a scientist, a humanist and a philosopher too. Although he was born in Vinci, a small town in Tuscany, Italy on April 15, 1452 he moved to Milan in 1481. Leonardo excelled in many areas including drawing, painting, and sculpture. Although we don't have a lot of his paintings today, he is probably most famous for them and also gained great fame during his own time due to his paintings. Two of his most famous works of art, and perhaps two of the most famous in the world, include the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo's drawings are also quite extraordinary: some were studies of anatomy. One famous drawing is the Vitruvian Man drawing. It is the picture of man who has perfect proportions. He drew pictures and designs of hang gliders, helicopters and other flying machines, war machines, musical instruments, various pumps, and more. He was also interested in civil engineering projects. Some people claim he invented the bicycle. He was a versatile genius turning easily from drawing to painting, from sculpture to architecture and urbanism. His style and iconography intakes marked a turning point in art especially his technique of sfumato: the “like smoke” technique. Artist constantly boiling, he left many unfinished works. Unlike some artists, Leonardo was very famous for his paintings while he was still alive. It's only recently that we've realized what a great scientist and inventor he was. Had the tramp who sat for Leonardo da Vinci for the role of Judas already posed for him as Jesus seven years earlier? Written by Charline, Estelle, Laurie & Mathilde Encounter with the wolves
In the summer holidays in Sydney, a young seven-­‐year-­‐old boy called Hugh and his family went to the zoo. They were walking between the zebra's cage and the elephant's one. While he was looking at the animals, his mother, Grace, was feeding the elephant with peanuts but his father, Christopher, was eating them instead. Not interested in the elephants, Hugh walked away and saw a crowd in front of a cage. He tried to make his way through the crowd and found himself in front of the wild wolves' cage. The keeper was trying to calm the crowd which was extremely excited by this new attraction of the zoo. The wolves were starving, so the keeper left the crowd to feed them with raw meat. All the wolves jumped on the meat as if they hadn't eaten for weeks. But one of the wolves seemed attracted by something else, attracted by Hugh's stare. When the keeper noticed this, he decided to observe this uncommon and unexpected scene for a few minutes. Intrigued by the wolf who was staring straight into his eyes, Hugh came closer and closer to the cage. Afraid, the wolf jumped back and scared the little boy who ran to his parents who were at the other side of the cage. But as he started to run, the wolf began to follow him. Seeing that the wolf was running after him, he stopped all at once. The keeper, convinced that there was a strong link between the wolf and the brown-­‐haired boy, called Hugh to let him meet the wildest wolf of the pack. The keeper ran to Hugh's parents and asked them if their son could go inside the cage. The parents agreed but at first, Hugh wasn't okay and shouted: “No, I'm afraid the wolves might eat me!" "Don't worry, I'll be there to help you if the wolves become aggressive." "If you stay with me, it would be great to meet the wolves." "So come.” When Hugh went into the cage, all the wolves didn't mind him. Only one came to encounter him, it was the same wolf as earlier and something strange happened between them. The wolf slowly came closer to the kid, trying not to scare him. The wolf began to smell him and Hugh hesitantly caressed him and petted him. The keeper was really surprised to see the wildest wolf being as domesticated as a kitten. Hugh's parents decided to take a picture of this unique moment. Hugh had a weird feeling inside when he was with the wolf. It was as if he was meant to be with this wolf, he was feeling home; and the wolf seemed to feel exactly the same way. When he had to leave the wolf, it was so heartbreaking that he started to cry. Once he had left the cage, the keeper kept the little boy in his arms just to say something before he left. He told him that he had seen what happened between the animal and him. He added that it had happened to him when he was younger and that it would have an effect on his future life. When Hugh left the cage, he was disappointed to leave the wolves and, as he was walking in the zoo, the only thing he could think about was what the keeper said. 25 years later In his car, Hugh was repeating his text again and again for his audition. He had just been told that he could audition for a new role in a promising movie, because the previous actor had finally decided not to play the role. He parked in front of the studio and entered, confident. He greeted the director he had known for years. He took his place and focused on his text. He felt so good in this role, as if he was born to play it. The director was also convinced that he was made for the role but he decided to ask him some questions: “So, you made a really good audition, I just want to ask you some questions." "Okay, what do you want to know?" "Why do you want this role?" "Well, when I was young, I had this encounter with a wolf and I felt something weird, like a strong connection with a wolf and I've always wanted to make it a part of my life.” The director, impressed by this unusual story, was really happy to offer him this job. The mystery Hugh Jackman was born in 1968 in Sydney, located in Australia. He is an actor but before, he studied comedy at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, then he began to do some act in TV shows as Corelli in 1995. He is well-­‐known for his role in the movie X-­‐men which was released in 2000 and made by Bryan Singer. Hugh is one of the main characters, the wolf. This movie was such a great success that the film director wanted to shoot a film that tells the story of Wolverine, his character. Hugh is an actor who plays mostly roles of superheroes in films but… Did young Hugh Jackman’s meeting with a wolf make him want to play Wolverine? Written by Alexiane, Caitlin, Linda & Marine The museum miracle
Paris, 1974 It was 1974. An attractive pregnant woman called Irmelin Dicaprio was preparing herself to visit the beautiful town of Paris. She came from Germany and she was in Paris because she loved visiting France. She had already come in this country to visit Nice. She had been in Paris for two days and she had already visited the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysées. She found these monuments very big and beautiful. The third day, she decided to visit many museums. She was a big fan of Leonardo da Vinci. She began with the Louvre. She was impressed by the Mona Lisa and all the people who were around this painting. That is the reason why she decided to go to the Carnavalet Museum to see some others paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. She left the first museum at lunch time and she bought a sandwich to eat in the subway. She was very impatient to arrive at the second museum. She bought her tickets and she arrived in the science room. She learnt a lot of things and she saw many interesting exhibitions. She discovered that that was a room with only Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings. She was especially interested in one of them called the Vitruvian Man. At that moment, she felt her baby giving her a kick. She thought that was not a coincidence. It was probably a sign of God. Everything became confused in her head: maybe she should give the name of Leonardo to her son, like her best painter. For her, it was strange, so she decided to tell her mother. Twenty minutes later, outside the museum, she called her mother and explained her what happened to her that afternoon. Four months later Irmelin came back to her family. The next week, she went to the hospital to give birth. Her son was next to the mother’s bed with an attractive blue pyjama. Irmelin was looking at her baby, she found him very lovely. He was blonde and had very cute blue eyes. She looked at her husband and said to him: “The most beautiful baby, our baby, Leonardo.” The mystery Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio (born November 11, 1974) is an American actor and film producer. He began his career by appearing in television commercials, after having recurrent roles in TV series. He is also famous for his many romantic relationships in the media. Later in 2000’s, Dicaprio received critical acclaim for his work in a wide range of film genres. He was nominated for ten Golden Globe Awards, winning two and four Academy Awards. But he never won an Oscar. His most famous movie was Titanic. In addition to acting, Dicaprio owns a production company named Appian Way Productions. He is also a committed environmentalist but… Did Leonardo Dicaprio give his first kick when his mother was looking at a painting of Leonardo da Vinci? Written by Chanelle, Gaëlle, Lila & Rayhane A
Starr is born
John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison had been best friends since elementary school even if they weren't exactly the same age. They were always together. People who didn't know them thought that they were brothers. One day, Paul brought his two best friends with him at his uncles's concert. The three young boys were so impressed. It was amazing, the musicians on stage played a lot of good songs and the crowd sang and danced all together. It was that day that they discovered a new passion. Music. John asked Paul and George to make a band too. They accepted immediately. They had enough money to buy three guitars. At that moment, they didn't know it but it was the beginning of a new crazy life. They started to learn playing the guitar. A few months later, they were pretty good at it and they started do little concerts for their friends and family. They could play the guitar and sing. A new band was born – they decided to call it "The Beatles". Tonight was the night. They had a bit of notoriety now and it was their first real concert. A true concert like Paul's uncle with fans who were screaming. They could hear them, they were really excited! When theconcert ended, the three musicians were so happy. They loved going on stage, they knew that they wanted to do that all their lives. They were relaxing in their dressing room, talking about the show when suddenly someone knocked on the door. Who could that be? George opened the door. It was a young man, all sweating and who looked veryexcited. "Hi, my name is Richard, I am a big fan of you. I absolutly wanted to meet you. You are amazing! " The Beatles were astonished but it was so good to see that they had big fans. They allowed Richard to enter the room with them. He was really nice, they talked together all night. Richard asked them a lot of questions about their music and their lives, and the Beatles answered proudly while drinking beer and other stuff. When Richard knew everything he wanted to know, it was his turn to get questions about him. They learnt that Richard played drums. John, Paul and George exchanged smiles. It was too perfect, they needed a drummer for their band to be complete. John asked: "Well Richard, we need a drummer. It would be amazing if you could join our band. So would you like to be a member of the Beatles?" Richard couldn't believe what he had just heard. He was in a dream… Of course he accepted. The following day, they went to their first rehearsal as a band of four members. Richard changed his name into Ringo Starr and became one of the best drummers of all the time in one of the most popular rock bands. The mystery The Beatles was an English rock band that was formed in Liverpool in 1960. The four members were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrisson and Ringo Starr. The Beatles built their reputation playing in clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-­‐year period from 1960. They became widely regarded as the greatest and most influencial act of the rock era. The Beatles are the best-­‐selling music artists in the United States with 178 million certified units. In 1988, the group was inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame". Was Ringo Starr originally a simple fan of the Beatles? Written by Adrien, Flavien, Léa & Lorenzo ANSWERS The apple immersed in the poisonous brew TRUE Fear of water TRUE The pirates’ fight FALSE The Titanic FALSE The real Charlot TRUE Seven years to change TRUE Encounter with the wolves FALSE The museum miracle TRUE A Starr is born FALSE