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Darren Aronofsky

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Darren Aronofsky is an American filmmaker and screenwriter. His films are noted for their surreal, melodramatic, and often disturbing elements, usually based in psychological horror and drama.
8 books on the list
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Carrie book cover
Carrie
Stephen King - 2005-01-01 (first published in 1974)
Goodreads Rating
In this chilling novel, a young girl with a terrifying gift struggles to control her power. But when pushed too far, she unleashes a wave of destruction at her senior prom.
Darren Aronofsky
I proceeded to pound through procrastinating by reading Carrie, scaring the living crap out of myself.      source
On the Origin of Species book cover
On the Origin of Species
Charles Darwin - 2004-01-01 (first published in 1859)
Goodreads Rating
A groundbreaking exploration of natural selection, this book challenges orthodox beliefs by asserting that no species or being has been specifically created. While exploring the harsh competition for survival, it showcases the interrelatedness between animal and plant life, and the environment, offering an inspirational and human perspective. Written with a combination of scientific rigor and literary style, this remains one of the most important works of modern times.
Howl and Other Poems book cover
Howl and Other Poems
Allen Ginsberg - 2001-01-01 (first published in 1956)
Goodreads Rating
Experience the raw power and unbridled creativity of Allen Ginsberg's infamous Howl and Other Poems. Despite being seized and put on trial for obscenity, this influential work has sold over a million copies and has become a staple in modern poetry. Dive into the riveting pages and discover the lasting impact of one of the most important works of the post-World War II era.
Darren Aronofsky
A cry from the ‘60s for his generation. At least that’s the way I took it.      source
Last Exit to Brooklyn book cover
Last Exit to Brooklyn
Hubert Selby Jr. - 2000-01-01 (first published in 1964)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the gritty underbelly of Brooklyn with a novel that portrays the primal rage of America's cities. You'll meet dope addicts, hoodlums, prostitutes, workers, and thieves as they brawl in the back alleys of Brooklyn. This explosive best-seller has come to be regarded as a classic of modern American writing.
Darren Aronofsky
I devoured it in a single night. I had never seen anyone attack the page like he did.      source
Requiem for a Dream book cover
Requiem for a Dream
Hubert Selby Jr. - 1999-10-12 (first published in 1978)
Goodreads Rating
This gritty novel set in Coney Island follows the intertwined lives of four characters: a lonely widow obsessed with appearing on a game show, her junkie son and his girlfriend, and their best friend. As they become entangled in drugs and addiction, they refuse to let setbacks derail their dreams. With brutal honesty and urgency, this novel explores the lengths people will go for their goals and the devastating consequences that ensue. The New York Times calls it a powerful work with the anguish of America stamped on every page.
Darren Aronofsky
I made this book into a film and even got pretty close to the author as a dear friend.      source
The Writers Journey book cover
The Writers Journey
Mythic Structure for Writers
Christopher Vogler - 1998-11-01 (first published in 1992)
Goodreads Rating
Discover how to use the principles of myth to craft powerful and engaging stories with "The Writer's Journey". Based on Joseph Campbell's work, this insider's guide provides step-by-step guidelines for structuring plots and creating realistic characters. With 30% new material, both fiction and non-fiction writers can learn to create masterful stories that are not only entertaining, but also psychologically true.
Darren Aronofsky
Very good. But it’s only for people who are writing screenplays.      source
Recommended by
James Gunn
The Denial of Death book cover
The Denial of Death
Ernest Becker - 1997-05-08 (first published in 1973)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the meaning of life and why we deny our mortality in this Pulitzer prize-winning book. Author Ernest Becker challenges Freudian thought and delves into the concept of the "vital lie." The Denial of Death sheds new light on human nature and offers a call to truly live. Its message continues to resonate over twenty years after its publication.
Darren Aronofsky
A good one.      source
The Hero with a Thousand Faces book cover
The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Joseph Campbell - 1972-03-01 (first published in 1949)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the universal motif of adventure and transformation present in virtually all of the world’s mythic traditions in this groundbreaking book. Joseph Campbell combines modern psychology with comparative mythology to outline the Hero’s Journey and Cosmogonic Cycle, exploring the mythic pattern of world creation and destruction. This third edition features expanded illustrations, a comprehensive bibliography, and accessible sidebars. Relevant today as it was in 1949, The Hero with a Thousand Faces continues to inspire artists and all those interested in the human need to tell stories.
Darren Aronofsky
I'm totally part of his cult. Because I believe in that hero’s journey.      source