Who is the author of 'Zeroville'?

The author of 'Zeroville' is Steve Erickson.

What are the main themes in 'Zeroville'?

The main themes in 'Zeroville' include Contemporary Fiction, Literature.

What genre is 'Zeroville'?

'Zeroville' is categorized as Literature.

What is the main premise of 'Zeroville' by Steve Erickson?

'Zeroville' by Steve Erickson is a novel that follows the story of Vikar, a young man who arrives in Hollywood in the late 1960s. Vikar is an enigmatic character with a shaved head featuring a tattoo of a movie star, which symbolizes his obsession with cinema. The narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the impact of cinema as Vikar navigates the surreal and chaotic world of Hollywood while grappling with his own past and the changing landscape of film culture. The novel merges elements of history, fantasy, and philosophy, capturing the essence of Los Angeles and its film industry during a transformative era.

Who is the protagonist of the story, and what is unique about him?

The protagonist of 'Zeroville' is Vikar Jerome, a young man who arrives in Los Angeles in the late 1960s to pursue a career in film. What makes Vikar unique is that he has a distinctive haircut, shaved on the sides and long in the middle, which resembles the iconic image of a film star from that era. Additionally, he has a fascination with movies that transcends typical fandom; he believes that the world is composed of film frames and views his life through the lens of cinema. This outlook shapes his interactions and experiences as he navigates the tumultuous landscape of Hollywood.

How does the theme of film and cinema play a role in the narrative of 'Zeroville'?

In 'Zeroville' by Steve Erickson, the theme of film and cinema is central to the narrative and serves as both a backdrop and a driving force for the characters' journeys. The story is set in a landscape deeply affected by the changing nature of Hollywood during the 1970s. The protagonist, Vikar, carries a unique identity tied to his passion for film, particularly embodying the duality of both actor and audience. The narrative explores how cinema influences reality and personal identity, as Vikar navigates his life through the lens of the movies he admires. His obsession with film reflects broader themes of nostalgia, loss, and the search for meaning in a culture increasingly detached from the authenticity of experience. The intertwining of Vikar's experiences with the films he loves highlights the power of cinema to shape perceptions and the deep emotional connections that it fosters. Moreover, Erickson uses references and motifs from classic films to explore the psychological impacts of cinema on individuals and society, making the theme integral to understanding the characters and their motivations. Ultimately, the theme of film in 'Zeroville' raises questions about the nature of reality and illusion, and how stories—both on screen and in life—construct our identities.

What is the significance of the year 1970 in the context of the book?

In 'Zeroville' by Steve Erickson, the year 1970 is significant as it marks a pivotal moment in cinema history, representing a period of transition and transformation in film. This year is often seen as the end of the classic Hollywood era and the beginning of the New Hollywood movement, where filmmakers began to challenge traditional narrative and production practices. The protagonist, Vikar, arrives in Los Angeles in 1970, which is a time when the cultural landscape is shifting. The film industry is evolving, reflecting the broader societal changes of the time, including the rise of counterculture and disillusionment with traditional values. Vikar's experiences in 1970 serve as a commentary on the intersection of personal identity and the influence of film and media in shaping reality.

How does Erickson explore the concept of memory and identity through the storyline?

In 'Zeroville,' Steve Erickson explores the concepts of memory and identity through the protagonist, Vikar, who embodies the intersection of personal and collective memories. The narrative is set against the backdrop of Hollywood's changing landscape during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time of cultural upheaval. Vikar, a film student with a unique obsession with cinema, navigates his identity through the films he watches and the memories they invoke. Erickson employs fragmented storytelling and nonlinear timelines to reflect how memory can be unreliable and subject to reinterpretation. The characters Vikar encounters represent different facets of Hollywood and reflect how collective memory shapes individual identity. Throughout the novel, Vikar grapples with his past and the notion of self, often questioning the authenticity of his experiences versus the constructed realities of film. This blurring of reality and memory highlights the theme that identity is not static but is continually reshaped by the memories we choose to hold onto and the narratives we consume. Ultimately, 'Zeroville' presents a complex meditation on how memories—both personal and cultural—forge our identities amid the chaos of modern existence.

Zeroville

By Steve Erickson

Published: 2007

Literature Contemporary Fiction

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What Readers Say About This Book

First edition of Erickson's phantasmagorical meditation on the power of cinema. In Zeroville (optioned by James Franco in 2011), Vikar becomes a film editor, the job he always wanted, but but the drugs, music, and sexuality, may be more than he can handle.

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Key Points from Zeroville

In 'Zeroville,' the plot development is intricately tied to Vikar's journey, from a bewildered film student to a figure deeply embedded in the tumultuous world of 1970s Hollywood. The narrative begins in a unique context, with Vikar arriving in LA not just as an outsider but as someone marked by his devotion to cinema, symbolized through his distinctive tattoo of Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift—two icons of classic Hollywood. This tattoo represents his obsession with identity and the art of film itself, foreshadowing the exploration of self that follows throughout the book. As Vikar engages with the chaotic film industry, he encounters various characters, each representing different facets of Hollywood—from the superficiality of fame to the rawness of artistic integrity. For instance, his relationship with the character Soledad highlights the intersection of personal longing and professional ambition. This plot structure emphasizes Vikar's internal struggles with his tragic past revealed gradually, such as his traumatic childhood and how it shapes his perception of reality. These layers of complexity not only build narrative tension but also resonate with broader themes of obsession and the quest for identity in a fragmented society. Vikar's experiences serve as a microcosm for the disillusionment felt by many in an era where the golden age of cinema is giving way to a more chaotic and morally ambiguous world, making the significance of his story arc central to understanding the book's critique of the film industry and existential identity.

About the Author

Steve Erickson

Steve Erickson is an acclaimed American author known for his innovative and experimental writing style that often blends elements of magic realism with speculative fiction. His notable works include 'Days Between Stations,' 'The Sea Came in at Midnight,' and 'These Dreams of You.' Erickson's writing delves into themes of memory, identity, and the fluidity of time, often challenging conventional narrative structures. Having contributed to both novels and essays, he remains a significant voice in contemporary literature, recognized for his thought-provoking explorations of the human experience.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors: Steve Erickson
Published: January 2007
Publisher: N/A
ISBN: N/A
Language: English
Pages: 364
Genres: Contemporary FictionLiterature

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Key Points from Zeroville

In 'Zeroville,' the plot development is intricately tied to Vikar's journey, from a bewildered film student to a figure deeply embedded in the tumultuous world of 1970s Hollywood. The narrative begins in a unique context, with Vikar arriving in LA not just as an outsider but as someone marked by his devotion to cinema, symbolized through his distinctive tattoo of Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift—two icons of classic Hollywood. This tattoo represents his obsession with identity and the art of film itself, foreshadowing the exploration of self that follows throughout the book. As Vikar engages with the chaotic film industry, he encounters various characters, each representing different facets of Hollywood—from the superficiality of fame to the rawness of artistic integrity. For instance, his relationship with the character Soledad highlights the intersection of personal longing and professional ambition. This plot structure emphasizes Vikar's internal struggles with his tragic past revealed gradually, such as his traumatic childhood and how it shapes his perception of reality. These layers of complexity not only build narrative tension but also resonate with broader themes of obsession and the quest for identity in a fragmented society. Vikar's experiences serve as a microcosm for the disillusionment felt by many in an era where the golden age of cinema is giving way to a more chaotic and morally ambiguous world, making the significance of his story arc central to understanding the book's critique of the film industry and existential identity.

Zeroville

Start Listening

What Readers Say About This Book

The Mike & Casey Show

Key Points from Zeroville

About the Author

Steve Erickson

Book Details

Purchase Options

Similar books you might like →

Captive Prince

Throne of Glass

A Court of Thorns and Roses

The Book of Three

The Hunger Games

The Star-Touched Queen

The Hating Game

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Take your reading experience to the next level

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Ricardo Semler's Book Recommendations

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Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations

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