Introduction
The writing of creative and interesting scripts depend on a writer’s skills and ability to depict experiences in a believable manner. Whether it is a true story or a work of fiction, it is crucial to capture the readers or viewers interest; this is a fete achieved by both Chuck Palahniuk and Orson Welles. These two skilled writers exhibit distinct and parallel abilities in their fields of expertise. Despite their differences, the individuals have common characteristics; these characteristics contribute towards their success in writing, in order to comprehend the distinct differences and the common factors. An analysis of the development of their careers and skills provides relevant information. Focus on the comparison of Palahniuk and Welles’ skills in ‘Invisible Monsters’ and ‘Touch of Evil’ shows this.
Comparison of Palahniuk and Welles
Invisible Monsters, by Palahniuk, is a work of fiction depicting the struggles in search of one’s identity. Shannon McFarland is a model with everything in life; a good career, boyfriend and loyal best friend. All these change when she has an accident driving along the freeway. A gunshot in her face leaves her disfigured and unable to speak. She meets Brandy Alexander who helps her adjust to life with her new condition. Brandy helps her acquire a new name and identity. Through the spiral of events, Shannon realizes that Brandy is indeed her long lost brother Shane. She also earns about her boyfriend’s affair with her best friend.
Throughout the plot, Palahniuk exhibits non-linear coverage of events. It gives a captivating and engaging depiction of the characters’ dilemmas and how their decisions affect each other’s lives. The search for identity and ultimate achievement of satisfaction shows as the narrator ends up married and happy. The quick-paced novel and use of unique characters keeps the audience engaged.
Touch of Evil, by Welles, depicts a blend of police corruption, murder and kidnapping in a Mexican border town. Miguel Vargas, a Mexican narcotics officer, gets into a case when a bomb explodes in a car. The bomb explodes on US soil, but traces back to Mexico. Captain Quinlan and Pete Menzies frame Manolo Sanchez. Vargas realizes and confronts Quinlan; Quinlan, in turn kidnaps and drugs Suzie Vargas. He receives help Grandi who he later kills and frames Suzie for the murder (Rovell, 4). In the last frame up, Quinlan shoots Menzies to frame Vargas, however, things fall apart as Menzies shoots Quinlan with his dying breath. Vargas and his wife leave after the series of events.
Welles’ script outlines the series of events from the explosion to the frame ups. He comprehensively depicts issues of corruption, drugs and murder throughout the movie. The triumph of good and justice makes a good ending.
Over the years, Palahniuk’s works sold millions of copies; these have translations in various languages. Talented and funny, he creates provoking writing; these create a new perception of normal things and life experiences. The writings depict a deviant and aggressive youthfulness. They also depict truth and the nature of life in a captivating manner (Manarik, 6). His writing abilities developed over the years. An analysis of previous and recent works depict the change; this contributes to the success of his career. Born in 1962, he faces a variety of challenges including; growing up in an underprivileged family, parents’ divorce, life in his grandparents’ ranch, his father’s murder, and mother’s cancer. His writings regularly reflect his personal experiences; the struggles and good times (Minarik, 8). His experience with the cruelty of life and death when working with terminally ill patients gave him a realistic and intense perception of suffering; this shows in his writings. Under Tom Spanbauer’s guidance, he developed his weak writing ability into a minimalistic and streamlined style. He writes works of fiction depicting the limits created by societal norms. He focuses on taboo topics such as; violence, drugs, sex, crime, incest, and dysfunctional families. The protagonist in his writings somehow manages to surpass boundaries of social acceptability (Minarik, 11).
Welles made some of the most influential movies in the industry. Among these are ‘Touch of Evil’ and ‘Citizen Kane’. Born in 1915, his parents Beatrice and Richard exposed him to actors at an early age; this built his interest and forms a foundation for his successful career. Despite his wealthy background, his parents separated when he was only four years old, and his mother died when he was nine. Later, his father’s collapsing business drove him to alcoholism; he died when Welles was only thirteen. The suffering he went through had an impact on his career; this is evident in some of his works. His legal guardian Berstein noticed his talent and enrolled him in Todd School; this is where his career began in theatre. He had roles in various films and later began writing his own scripts. His work in radio broadcasting polished his ability to give detailed accounts of events (IMDb, 1).
Chuck Palahniuk and Orson Welles differ in a variety of ways; these differences are evident throughout their careers. First and foremost, their early life experiences are not similar. Palahniuk spent the early years of his life in poverty; he lacked access to luxurious and affluent life. Welles, on the other hand, had access to a good life. His parents had good jobs and provided for his needs. His father an inventor, and mother a concert pianist gave him a good early life.
Subsequently, Welles ventured into theatre early in school, whereas, Palahniuk did not. Soon after developing an interest when in Todd school, he began his career through roles in films. Palahniuk, on the other hand, did various jobs before focusing on his writing career.
Palahniuk’s career focuses on a narrow scope. He is primarily a novelist and essay writer. Welles had skills in; acting, directing, film production, screenwriting, theatre, and radio broadcasting.
Despite the differences, Welles and Palahniuk have several similarities as writers; these similarities show in their works.
First similarity is the influence of their early life experiences on their works. Palahniuk has a childhood characterized by a lot of death and suffering; these shaped whom he was as a person and his perception of life. It also influenced how he created characters and occurrences in his works. For instance, his parents’ turbulent marriage and subsequent deaths show in his exploration of topics like; dysfunctional families, violence and death (Minarik, 11). Association with his drug-stealing friends showed in ‘Invisible Monsters’. Welles’ interaction with actors at an early age contributed to his skills in various fields in film. It formed a foundation, developed through training, thus his success in acting, production, writing and directing (IMDb, 1).
Both writers took advantage of their ability to observe and comprehend situations. Palahniuk’s first-hand experience of tragedies and other experiences gave him the ability to portray those experiences in his writings. He creates a vivid and realistic account that makes the work captivating. It gives the audience a new view of ordinary experiences. Welles’ interaction with professionals in his youth to his days at Todd School helped him understand people. He transferred the understanding to his works; creating unique and realistic characters. It helped both writers in comprehending the audience’s needs, and meeting them through the plot and character development (Iglesias & McAleer, 9).
Both actors have love for what they do; passion in writing is a drive and motivation for success. Palahniuk developed a love for writing when it offered him a means to deal with bad experiences in his life. Through his works, he dealt with bad memories. He develops a blend of real life and fictional occurrences in his works. Welles realized and cultivated his passion at an early age; this improved not only his writing but also other areas of theatre and film. The writers’ desire for good things is evident in the happy endings created in both ‘Touch of Evil’ and ‘Invisible Monsters’. Identifying a source of inspiration fuels the passion one has for writing (Iglesias & McAleer, 20).
Both writers exhibit commitment in their works. Over the years, they published several books. Palahniuk, for instance, did not let the failure of his early writings discourage him. Instead, he did more and perfected his skills; he noted down every idea that comes to mind (Iglesias & McAleer, 22). Welles’ commitment led to accomplishments in writing and other areas of film. He produced a series of successful works and had acting roles in some.
Conclusion
An analysis of other writers’ routines and skills helps in improving individual writing abilities. Though every writer exhibits distinct methods and skills, there are common factors evident in most writers’ works. The study of works by both Palahniuk and Welles give evidence of the differences in their skills. It also shows the common characteristics in their works; this commonality in their writing skills contribute to their success in the field. The qualities are essential in improving an individual’s writing abilities. Both ‘Touch of Evil’ and ‘Invisible Monsters’ exhibit high levels of; talent, extensive reading, openness, understanding the audience, ability to evoke emotion, and standards of excellence.
Works Cited
Iglesias, Karl, and McAleer, Andrew. The 25 Habits of Highly Successful Writers: Inside secrets from top screenwriters and novelists. Avon: Adams Media. ISBN 978-1- 4405-3721-9 (2012): Web. Available from < http://www.rochestermoviemakers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/25-habits-of- highly-successful-writers.pdf > [Accessed November 8, 2013]
IMDb. ‘Orson Welles (1915-1985).’ (2013): Web. Available from < http://www.imdb.com/name/m0000080 > [Accessed November 8, 2013]
Minarik, Michal. Writing of Chuck Palahniuk: Development of popular aspects. Masaryk University (2011): Web. Available from < http://www.is.muni.cz/th/218044/ff_m/Minarik_- _Diploma_Thesis_Chuck_Palahniuk_-_Development_and_Popular_Aspects_.pdf > [Accessed November 8, 2013]
Rovelli, Federica. Touch of Evil between Restitution Textus and Creative Restoration. Worlds of Audio Vision (2011): Web. Available from < http://www- 5.unipv.it/wav/pdf/WAV_Rovelli_2011_eng.pdf > [Accessed November 8, 2013]
