"American Gods" - the epic of modern times and the peak of creativity Neil Gaiman
Books / / December 19, 2019
Neil Gaiman is often called one of the most prominent authors of our time, and the novel "American Gods" - the best, and his main work. But first, you should understand, what is the significance of Gaiman for contemporary culture and why its so fond of not only readers, but other writers.
What is the phenomenon of the author
It seems that it creates fantastic worlds. But there is a Terry Pratchett - the author of the great "Discworld". Gaiman wrote mystical excellent comics from the series "The Sandman." But there is Alan Moore and his famous works. Gaiman is interested in science fiction, but there is a work of Douglas Adams and the TV series "Doctor Who».
It would seem that there are your reference authors in every genre that comes to mind at the first mention. For example, Stephen King, who has long been turned into a direct analogue of the term "horror".
Yet there is something that distinguishes Neil Gaiman from all these writers - versatility. He's still a young man set himself the goal to work in a totally different genres and forms to write comics, script, novel, and much more. That the author successfully and fulfill lifelong.
This allowed him to create his works in a very unique atmosphere, combining mysticism, myth and fantasy stories of the ordinary world. Thus, in the comic strip "The Sandman," he says of the realm of sleep and its Master of morphine. But the one in their concerns it is often no different from ordinary people, and visually clearly copied from the author himself.
But the most striking example, perhaps we could call it a novel "never" (in another translation - "Zadvere"). This script novelization Gaiman to the same name mini-series. Here are just a few years later, a book fell in love with a lot more than the TV version.
In this novel, the author shows that the unusual and fantastic world full of adventures, is close to us - just reach out and open the right door.
Unlike other visionaries and storytellers, often Gaiman writes just about our world with all its advantages and disadvantages. But does so in such a way that the narrative is always a place to something unknown and fabulous.
This approach allowed him to create such a grand work, as "American Gods", which combines a journey across America, mythology and influence contemporary culture.
Why the novel refers to the modern epic
Even while working on "The Sandman" by Neil Gaiman seriously became interested in mythology and epics, repeatedly referring to different religions and legends. But then, in the author's life was an important event - in the early 90's he moved from the UK to the US. And it affected not only his everyday life, but also on the themes raised in the works.
Indeed, in contrast to the Old World, the Americans have not yet formed their own epic - since the first European settlers on the continent, a little more than five centuries. And this is not enough for the formation of the mythology and culture of the Indians has been virtually destroyed.
Lack of national baggage, certainly strongly influences the development of society, and Gaiman, as a good folklorist, could not help but notice this fact.
But the talent of the storyteller and dreamer allowed him to look at it another way. Hand writing a novel, he demonstrated how to create new myths and even new gods. Gaiman explained if the Americans that their epic simply the sum of the religions and peoples of the legends, once settled in the continent.
Together with the first settlers came to America, and their gods: Scandinavian One Chernobog Slavic, African Anansi and many others. Ironically, such a story for Americans could come up with the British - also an emigrant, who brought with them a culture of classical English literature.
But if you think about it seriously, Neil Gaiman, consciously or not, to go the way of creating almost all the classical epics and religions. Namely gathered earlier known texts, mix, suffered in the present and present as their own creation.
So did the authors ever since "Epic of Gilgamesh». They retold previous legends, while maintaining the narrative structure but adapting it to their own culture and way of life. Once this similarity Joseph Campbell wrote in his book "Tysyacheliky hero." He brought the total for all such stories plot, which was named "the path of the hero».
But Neil Gaiman is not only endured in America the old gods, but also to populate it with new, which is also perfectly fits with the classic building mythology. In ancient times, in the form of higher beings embody the most important people for their events. So there were the gods of the harvest, wars, rain. And looking at who worshiped certain people, you can even draw conclusions about their basic classes: hunters revered god of the forest, and farmers - the god of rain.
But in today's world it has long been important quite other things, phenomena and concepts. Man early XXI century often reflect on their TV than for rain. And so the gods appear Gaiman technology and mass media, as a reflection of contemporary culture.
They come to replace the old and forgotten gods, as has happened in the old days, when people learned the true origin of rain or solar eclipse and began to believe in something new.
Thus, the "American Gods" can rightly be considered the American epic of modern times, as in the novel met all the canons. And besides, it's just interesting and informative read.
What talk "American Gods"
Simple silent guy named Moon Shadow early release from prison, as his wife was killed in a car accident along with the best friend of the hero. More on the way home, he meets a mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who offers the Shadow to be his bodyguard.
As the hero does not hold anymore, he agrees and goes on a journey with his new boss. As it turns out, he wants to meet with a variety of old gods, who arrived in America with the settlers, and bring them together for the battle with new gods that people have unknowingly worship.
Soon Shadow is in the sights of the new gods - he is attacked by their companions. And saves the hero only by his wife, Laura, suddenly resurrected from the dead thanks to the magic coin Leprechaun.
Shadows have to hide, in parallel helping Mr. Atmosphere with the gods, but soon events take place that become a serious impetus for the preparations for the war.
On which layers can be divided into the plot of the book
Complex and bulky books Neil Gaiman built very unusual. There are several "layers" of action, which skillfully woven into a story. But their perception is strongly dependent on who and for what purpose is reading this book.
Travel one-story America
If we take only the dynamics of the plot and the action of development, the "American Gods" is a pretty standard story in a movie called "road movie". Heroes go from city to city through the American heartland, are faced with new friends and enemies, get into trouble and are investigating the case side, which in the end will contact the main action.
And again, it is surprising that such a book was written by the Briton. After all, if you take the representatives of mystical genre, the novel style is close to the works of Stephen King with his love to talk about the life of a small American town.
But the reason is very simple. In the story of Shadow on for some time remains in the small town of Lakeside near the Great Lakes. And in the description of the quiet life this place is not hard to find in Menomonie, Wisconsin, with a population of just over 16,000 people, where in 1992 he moved to Neil Gaiman.
Probably, in spite of the foreign origin, the author was able to feel the atmosphere of the American heartland, and therefore created something like a mystical book about traveling in the country.
The path of the hero
Yet the association with the epic inevitable as shadow with only minor amendments runs the same "hero's journey", which is characteristic of all these stories.
By the way, for those who are not very familiar with classical legends and epics, there is a case in point - the first films of the saga "Star Wars». George Lucas and made no secret that the building plot is based on the "Tysyachelikogo hero", but because you can compare all these stories with the adventures of Luke Skywalker. Or at least just listen Oxxxymiron.
So, Shadow Moon initially exists in the ordinary world. Then this is followed by "Call" - Mr. Wednesday to invite him to work. Shadow at first refuses, but then still on a journey with him. The medium becomes his mentor.
Occur first encounters with the future allies and enemies clash with where Shadow first loses, since he is not ready yet. Thus it is possible to completely disassemble the main plot of the book, and it will be for the most part correspond to the "path of the hero."
But this does not mean that the action is completely predictable and will not be able to surprise. In the novel and intriguing enough space, and plot twist, and a corporate geymanovskomu humor - characters often joke even in the most dangerous situations and often cited contemporary works.
Yet the "American Gods" - another confirmation of the fact that the idea of "Tysyachelikogo hero" is true and tradition of the story is equally relevant in the XVIII century BC, when created "Epic of Gilgamesh", so and XXI.
Excursion into the history and myths
But apart from that, Neil Gaiman allowed himself to add to the book a significant retreat, which can be regarded as an excursion to the culture of different countries and peoples. And he did not just introduce them to the plot, and allocates these stories chapters.
When in action, new characters, the author tells the parallel stories associated with them from the past about how the gods and the spirits came to America with the settlers or prisoners.
So, the old myths of England brought a girl Essy, who was convicted of theft. Her pregnant was sent to the New World, but it has not forgotten about the old beliefs and the end of life left gifts to the spirits.
Arab Salim, originally from Oman met the genie - the spirit of fire - in the guise of a taxi driver, and then he had to become a genie yourself. And one of the main characters - Mr. Nancy (actually an African god Anansi) - generally known for his jokes and wit.
And like Gaiman submits it all as his own invention, but for every such story a sense of deep study and knowledge of the material.
For example, in the legends of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau many attribute to her a very long life, and even the possibility of resurrection. But most likely, it just comes to a priestess daughter, who continued her business after her mother's death. The author also tells the story.
Entering a character called Ostara, he does not forget to remind of the original pre-Christian meaning of Easter. It symbolized the arrival of spring, and because people brought Ostara victim.
And you can be sure that each product referred to in god, a spirit or a priest really figured in the legends.
Of course, the "American Gods" can not be used instead of a handbook on mythology, in fact still Gaiman aim was to create a new artwork. Yet the book makes an interest in the origin of the heroes and appeal even to the "Wikipedia".
As work progressed on the adaptation
Information about the fact that "American Gods," will take on the screens, there HBO Plans 6 Seasons Of Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' More in 2011. Neil Gaiman said that the book interested HBO channel (the one that produces "game of thrones»). Moreover, because the writer has repeatedly collaborated with television, he planned to create a script for the first episode.
According to Gaiman, he wanted to keep a plot of the initial chapters of the book, but add new elements that adorn the show. And we discussed several seasons of the future project. The first two wanted to make the book, and to further develop the story independently.
But the years went on, and deal with the place did not move. And if in 2013 the author of more assured that the work on the script goes, then a year later, the representative said HBO NEIL GAIMAN'S 'AMERICAN GODS' TV SERIES: HBO EXPLAINS DECISION TO PASSThat the channel is not like the proposed scenarios. And at that time they had already changed three authors.
Starz on the move and the appearance of Brian Fuller
But plans for the series was not abandoned completely. Gaiman simply ceased to cooperate with HBO. In 2014, the rights to the project was acquired by FremantleMedia, and future series moved to the Starz channel.
This, of course, has caused concern among many fans: this television network is much smaller budgets. Thus, by the early 2014 of the top projects of the channel could boast only the TV series "Spartacus"And" Da Vinci's Demons ". A future hits "Black Sails" and "Stranger" only launched in the air.
But it has encouraged the new showrunner. To work on the TV version of "American Gods" we invited Bryan Fuller that has pleased all fans of good humor and an elegant visual range. In support he took screenwriter Michael Green. Yet it is safe to say that the first season of the project - entirely merit Fuller.
At that time he had become a director of the cult TV series. Back in 2003, Bryan Fuller made his debut with the mysterious black comedy "Dead Like Me" about the reaper, which take people's souls after death.
Then there were very similar projects, "Wonderfalls" and "Pushing Daisies" - the latter brought the author of mass popularity. Fuller And the same can be considered the main driving force behind the series "Heroes": he served as head writer, and after he left the project has lost popularity.
But the real fame came to Bryan Fuller after the start of the series "Hannibal"- a prequel to the famous book by Thomas Harris'" Red Dragon "and" Silence of the Lambs. " It was then that everyone realized how beautiful he is able to shoot.
And it's not just playing the main roles. Fuller has managed to turn Hannibal in style benchmark, and the process of cooking and table - in some graceful scene. To do this, even hired a special "food designer".
But most importantly, Fuller - a fan of the "dream logic" as Gaiman. This is evident in all of his first projects, necessarily associated with mysticism and the other world.
He even managed to bring the strangeness and madness in the history of Hannibal Lecter. But there are many viewers it seemed superfluous. With the second season of Heroes dreams and reality are often started changing that somewhat confusing those who expected an ordinary thriller.
But "American Gods," it all fits perfectly: enough space for mystical madness, and beautiful shooting. In this case, Fuller was not afraid at the necessary moment to move away from the original source and adapt the story to the present, because the main work on the series began 15 years after the book was published.
The emergence of new themes and love to the source
Fuller very carefully and tastefully came to the selection of executors of roles for the series. Embody the main character was invited not the most famous actor Ricky Whittle. Interestingly, nowhere in the book does not directly indicate that the shadow - a dark-skinned. But about the character say that he seemed gloomy and "dark." Apparently, the authors decided to beat this time.
Picking up the old gods, Fuller wanted to show them a little rough and unkempt, as people are about them almost forgotten. So there was Ian McShane as Mr. Media, Peter Stormare in the image Chernobog and many others.
In this new gods appear bright and "smooth". The first processed image Tehnomalchika. In the book, Gaiman is a fat boy, from which smells plastic.
Apparently so in the early 2000s represented a typical fan of computers and new technologies. But over time, things have changed, and because the character played by Bruce Langley, now a stylish veyper. A most significant role of the elegance of the author gave Gillian Anderson, with whom he had worked in "Hannibal."
She played the goddess Media, which is constantly reincarnated in different celebrities. On the set of the actress had to try on a variety of unusual images - from Marilyn Monroe to David Bowie.
The beginning of the show very accurately copies the first chapters of the book. But, as planned once Gaiman, with each episode becomes evident that the emphasis is strongly biased.
Bryan Fuller originally stated Starz's American Gods will expand female roles and treat religion seriouslyHe wants to tell more about the female characters, and therefore greatly expanded the role of Laura (played by her Emily Browning), who in the book appeared only sporadically. In the series, there is even an episode totally dedicated to her. In addition, very very minor character Mad Sweeney (Pablo Schreiber) in the TV became her constant companion and helper.
But still more important to slightly change the idea. Still, Neil Gaiman talked about migrants and their gods in the form of references to the epic. Fuller is rather dedicated to the history of immigration, which in the new political situation in America, many have come to regard the wicked.
No wonder the show gained international structure: there is a Briton Ian MakSheyn, Swede Peter Stormare, Canadian, Pablo Schreiber, Iranian Omid Abtahi, Orlando Jones with African roots, and many others. And it adds the project actuality.
Fuller Care and Green and problems with the second season
The first season of "American Gods" was received with enthusiasm. Of course, there are some negative comments associated with some the lengthy episodes. Yet the majority of viewers and critics praised the work of Fuller and Green.
However, to further develop the project they could not. According to the authors, for the production of the second season of the series needed bigger budget. However, producers did not go to meet them, and they both left the showrunner 'American Gods': Michael Green & Bryan Fuller Exit As Showrunners Of Starz Series "American Gods".
With them gone from the series and some of the actors: rejected Gillian Anderson Leaving Starz 'American Gods,' Is Season 2 In Trouble? to return to their roles, Gillian Anderson and Kristin Chenoweth, who plays Easter.
New showrunner appointed 'American Gods' Hires New Showrunner for Season 2 Jesse Alexander - partner Fuller on "Hannibal" and "Star Trek: Discovery." His candidacy was approved personally by Neil Gaiman, who also joined American Gods Season 2 Will Be Overseen By Neil Gaiman the production of the series. However, a few months later Alexander also removed 'American Gods' Sidelines New Showrunner Amid Delays and Frustrations from work. It seems to be due to the fact that he has not been able to write the script of the final episode, which would suit the leadership.
As a result, work was delayed for almost two years and finished shooting the second season without the showrunner - a project led by producers Kessner Lisa and Chris Byrne and Neil Gaiman. This, of course, affected the quality of the series.
In the first episode continue more dialogue inherent in Gaiman books, discarded some of the themes from the finale of the first season, and the new goddess Media plays a young Korean woman Kim Kahon. Given the constant change character's appearance is acceptable, but still looks a little strange.
Critics greeted the second season of cool, but the evaluation of the audience is still quite good, although the audience is gradually falling.
Will there be a continuation
The series has been extended It's Official! Starz Renews 'American Gods' For Third Season, Finds New Showrunnerfor a third season, and new showrunner appointed Charles H. Igli, who previously worked on "walking dead». And the starting material for him enough. In the first season the authors have covered about a quarter of the book, the second maximum reach to the middle. Especially in Gaiman already have and "branch" of the book titled "Anansi Boys" - a lighter work of one of the secondary characters.
According to the original plans in the TV was supposed Exclusive: American Gods Season 6 Will Finally Get To The Book Sequel allocate five seasons on the original novel events, and then continue the story independently. But, of course, everything will depend on audience ratings and estimates, because in today's world, but they are a measure of the popularity of the series.
And therein lies a significant irony - in the beginning of the XXI century, Neil Gaiman has created an amazing product "American Gods," in which the media has shown almost the main scourge of our time. Now he is involved in the creation of television series and must comply with all the laws of the media.
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