David Goodis Quotes
David Goodis
David Goodis (1917-1967) was an American novelist and screenwriter. He is best known for his hard-boiled crime fiction, which often featured down-and-out protagonists struggling against the odds. His most famous works include the novels Dark Passage (1946) and Down There (1956), as well as the scree…Read More
David Goodis (1917-1967) was an American novelist and screenwriter. He is best known for his hard-boiled crime fiction, which often featured down-and-out protagonists struggling against the odds. His most famous works include the novels Dark Passage (1946) and Down There (1956), as well as the screenplay for the classic film noir The Burglar (1957). Goodis’ work has been praised for its gritty realism and its exploration of themes such as loneliness, despair, and redemption.Read Less
David Goodis (1917-1967) was an American novelist and screenwriter. He is best known for his hard-boiled crime fiction, which often featured down-and-out protagonists struggling against the odds. His most famous works include the novels Dark Passage (1946) and Down There (1956), as well as the screenplay for the classic film noir The Burglar (1957). Goodis’ work has been praised for its gritty realism and its exploration of themes such as loneliness, despair, and redemption.
David Goodis Career Highlights
- David Goodis was an American novelist and screenwriter, best known for his contributions to the hardboiled crime fiction genre.
- He began his writing career in the 1930s, publishing short stories in pulp magazines such as “Black Mask” and “Dime Detective.”
- Goodis gained widespread recognition in 1946 with the publication of his novel “Dark Passage,” which was later adapted into a film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
- Throughout his career, he wrote over 20 novels, many of which were adapted into films, including “The Burglar” and “Shoot the Piano Player.”
- Goodis also wrote screenplays for films such as “The Unfaithful” and “The Burglar.”
Key Contributions by David Goodis
- Goodis is credited with helping to define the hardboiled crime fiction genre, along with other notable writers such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.
- His writing style was characterized by its gritty realism and focus on the lives of ordinary people caught up in crime and violence.
- Goodis’ work has been praised for its psychological depth and exploration of themes such as alienation, loneliness, and desperation.
- He also had a significant influence on later writers, including James Ellroy and George Pelecanos.
What Sets David Goodis Apart
- Goodis’ writing often featured flawed and morally ambiguous protagonists, in contrast to the more traditional heroic figures found in crime fiction.
- He also incorporated elements of existentialism into his work, exploring the human condition and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
- Goodis’ writing was often dark and pessimistic, reflecting his own struggles with depression and alcoholism.
- Despite his success and critical acclaim, Goodis remained relatively unknown during his lifetime and only gained widespread recognition after his death.
Takeaways
- David Goodis was a highly influential writer in the hardboiled crime fiction genre, known for his gritty realism and exploration of complex themes.
- His work continues to be studied and admired by readers and writers alike, and his impact on the genre is still felt today.
- Goodis’ writing serves as a reminder of the power of literature to delve into the depths of the human experience and challenge societal norms.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
