Palanic Chuck - one of the modern scandalous writers. He became widely known for the film “Fight Club”, shot based on the novel of the same name in 1999. Journalists nicknamed Chuck himself the “king of the counterculture” for his frank, sometimes cruel and very naturalistic works.
Chuck Palahniuk: biography
Full name is Charles Michael Palahniuk. Born in the American town of Pasco, Washington, in February 1962. The writer's family is of unusual origin. His grandfather was a Ukrainian who emigrated first to Canada and then to the United States, and eventually settled in New York in 1907.
In 1986 he graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of the Oregon University of the United States, Palanic himself. Chuck spent all his studies at National Public Radio's KLCC as an intern. The institution was located in the city of Eugene , Oregon.
After graduation, the writer went to Portland, where he worked as a journalist in a local newspaper. At the same time, he joined the mechanics of repairing diesel engines and combined it with the preparation of instructions for the repair of trucks.
Search for yourself
Palanic Chuck wanted to find for himself not just a job, but something more. Therefore, he got a job as a volunteer in a shelter for the homeless. Then he worked at the hospice, but not for long. Transported seriously ill patients to meetings in support groups. The writer left this work after one of these patients, who became his friend, died.
He later joined the Cacophony Society. It is believed that it was it that became the prototype of the groups described by the author in his novels.
Origin of the surname
Palahniuk Chuck is the writer’s real name, but it is pronounced somewhat unusual. This incident happened to the writer in childhood. Parents took him with them to visit relatives at the cemetery. There he saw the graves of his grandparents. On the plates were knocked out their names: Paula, Nick. Putting both names together, the author received a combination of “PolaNik”, which was bizarrely combined with the family name. Therefore, the name of the writer is read as “Palanik”, and not according to the rules of pronunciation - “Palanik”. The name Chuck is short for Charles.
The beginning of creativity
Only 30 years old began his career as a writer Chuck Palahniuk. The works, however, did not appear immediately. At first, Chuck attended Tom Spaunbauer's writing courses. Although the author went to them for one purpose - to make new friends. Despite this, Spawnbauer was able to greatly influence the style of Palahniuk, who was then characterized by excessive minimalism. In the same period, the author wrote his first novel, but did not publish it. After I re-read the finished version, I was very disappointed in the storyline. However, a small piece of the work was used in the Fight Club.
The publisher refused to publish the following short story, entitled “The Invisibles,” claiming that it was too outrageous. The following work, in spite of the publisher, was written in even more outrageous form by Chuck Palahniuk. Quotes from this creation are familiar to many because it was the Fight Club.
Palanik worked on “Invisibles” for a very long time, paying particular attention to the art style. As for the plot, it is fascinating, although it is not the main one in the book. Despite this, Palanik was already able to show the features of his style in this debut work, which was manifested in the non-standard nature of the plot moves and unexpected surprises for the reader. In addition, in the novel there are scenes of cruelty, a lot of medical details and blood.
In our country, Palahniuk gained wide popularity only after the release of the movie “Fight Club”.
In 1999, significant changes took place in Chuck's life, which reflected on his work. His father, Fred, began dating a woman named Donna Fontaine. She sent Dale, her former roommate, to prison, accusing her of rape. The guy swore that he would kill her when he came out. A few years later, Dale freed himself and killed Donna and Fred. He carried their bodies to the house, which he then set on fire. In 2001, Dale was found guilty and sentenced to death.
These events encouraged Palahniuk to write a book that was published under the title Lullaby. The writer himself in an interview said that in this way he tried to cope with the tragedy experienced.
"Fight club"
Initially, “Fight Club” was a short story included in the collection of Pursuit of Hapiness. This work later became the 6th chapter of the novel. Then Chuck decided to make a short story out of the story. To the writer’s surprise, the publisher decided to publish it.
The publication of the book was very successful. Not only readers liked the story of a split personality and rebellion against public opinion, but critics praised it as well. The book has even been awarded a number of awards. No wonder even Hollywood showed interest in her. And in 1999, the eponymous film was released, shot by David Finch. It is believed that the box office picture failed, as the box office was very modest. However, after the release in DVD format, the film not only paid off, but also acquired the status of a cult.
The release of the film increased the interest of the book. The Fight Club was reprinted in 1999, 2004 and 2005.
This book can really be proud of Chuck Palahniuk. Quotes from the book have become very popular. The most famous: “Only having lost everything, we gain freedom to do anything”, “Generations of people work at jobs that they hate to buy things that they don’t need”, “Self-destruction is much more important than self-improvement”.
"Suffocation"
Chuck Palahniuk wrote the 2001 book “Choking”, which, according to the New York Times, became the number 1 bestseller in the country.
She tells the story of a young crook who daily goes to the richest restaurants, where he plays attacks of suffocation. For this, he manages to get good money.
In addition, the problems of alcoholism, sex, worship of things, etc. are raised. Palanik himself speaks of his creation as follows: “Are you going to read? In vain! ".
In 2008, the book was filmed. The film was directed by Clark Gregg, a little-known in our country. In Russia, the premiere took place in 2009. However, the film could not repeat the success of the Fight Club.
Quotes from the book: “To make life better, it must first become worse”, “Art is born only from grief. And never with joy. ”
Chuck Palahniuk: Reader Reviews
Creativity Palanica perceived radically opposite. Some call him a cult writer and perceive his novels as a real discovery and call to action. Others, on the contrary, say that the author is excessively naturalistic, and only in an aggressive narrative is all his success, and not in some ideas that reflect contemporary reality.
Thus, for some, Palahniuk is a master of the pen, for others - just a naturalist. However, neither one nor the other does not remain indifferent. It is worth getting acquainted with the work of this original author, if only because he really had a great influence on literature and the generation of youth at the turn of the 21st century.