Vladimir Zheleznikov is the author of books for children and adolescents. In his works, this writer talked about the life of modern boys and girls, about the difficult life situations in which they fall. He attached special importance to mutual understanding in relations between people.
How Vladimir Zheleznikov became a writer
The biography of this man was shaped in such a way that he could become by no means a creative person. Zheleznikov was born in a military family in 1925. Parents, as is often the case with representatives of this profession, regularly changed their place of residence. And from a young age, Zheleznikov saw in front of him the image of a border guard father. It is not surprising that, after graduating from school, the future writer entered the artillery school.
Vladimir Zheleznikov in his childhood saw so many different cities and towns, changed his friends and classmates so often that this experience, combined with literary ability, nevertheless took its toll. And, as an adult, having a law degree behind him, he entered the Literary Institute. Gorky. Although, in his own words, he began to compose long before that, at the age of nine. It was then that he wrote the first story in his life. But what topic this work was dedicated to, and whether it was preserved at all, is unknown.
Why did he start writing for children?
Why did the son of a military man, having graduated from an artillery school and having received a university education, decided to spend another five years of his life studying at a literary institute? Regarding this circumstance, Vladimir Zheleznikov points to an interesting fact in his memoirs. A writer is not a profession, but a vocation. But once, in his youth, Vladimir Karpovich read his short essay to an experienced writer. He criticized the works of an immature prose writer, but nevertheless expressed the opinion that writing can be learned. Whether the professional told the truth or not is not so important. But while studying at a literary institute, Vladimir Zheleznikov was also forced to work. He found work in the popular children's magazine Murzilka. And it was within the walls of the editorial office of this publication that he found his true calling. Here one of the best Soviet children's writers began his career.
"Colorful story"
Studying in the last year of the institute, Vladimir Zheleznikov published his first collection. The stories were published under the general title "Colorful History". In this book, he first touched on the topic of the formation of the personality of the child, which then became the basis in his work.
The life principle - to stand up for the weak and always act according to conscience - was reflected in many of the works of art created by Vladimir Zheleznikov. A writer who creates prose for children and adolescents must, first of all, be able to reveal the problem of the development of a growing personality. Zheleznikov was always able to solve this difficult task masterfully.
The instructive prose of Zheleznikov
This author can be called a writer for adults and children. The images that are created in his books are complex and vibrant. The world of children in the works of Zheleznikov is presented as a kind of adult world. Here are the same problems. There is also a lack of understanding. Perhaps the children brought up on the stories of Zheleznikov, having entered adulthood, will be able to avoid many moral mistakes.
Scenario
Vladimir Zheleznikov is known not only in our country, but also abroad. His books have been translated into many languages. And, no doubt, such an active person could not limit himself to publishing stories and short stories. As a screenwriter, he made his debut in 1974. The film “The Fool from the Fifth Grade” was released on Soviet screens. And twelve years later, together with director Rolan Bykov, the film "Scarecrow" was created, which became one of the best children's films of the Soviet era.
For the script for these two paintings, Zheleznikov was awarded the State Prize.
"Scarecrow"
Children are known to be cruel. Anger and injustice breeds fear. A child is afraid to be different than everyone else. This stuff is dedicated to the work “Scarecrow”, which was written in 1982 by Vladimir Zheleznikov. The photo above is a shot from a movie based on the story.
The film is still very popular today thanks to the work of the director and excellent cast. But it is worth paying tribute to the author of the story and script. Zheleznikov first raised the theme of child cruelty in such a harsh form. Soviet writers and screenwriters working before him in this genre preferred to portray the life of schoolchildren in more rainbow colors.
The children in Zheleznikov’s book are absolutely real. They are capable of betrayal, deception and cruelty. But they know how to be kind. For this, they lack only mutual understanding. The story "Scarecrow" is a work about good and mercy. But it also teaches to be strong, to be able to resist evil. “Now I'm a scientist, fighting off even when they beat me,” says Lena Bessoltseva, the main character of the book.
Vladimir Zheleznikov is a children's writer whose work will be interesting and useful for every adult to familiarize himself with. After all, life values are the same for all ages.
The writer has created more than twenty works of art. As an author and co-author, he took part in the creation of thirteen films. Since 1988, the writer has served as the artistic director of the Globus movie studio. He died on December 3, 2015. Buried in Moscow.