215 | Patton Oswalt: Embracing Risk as a Writer, Stand Up Comic, and Actor

Published in 1974, 'Jaws' tells the story of a great white shark that preys upon the fictional town of Amity, a small seaside resort on Long Island. The novel follows the efforts of Police Chief Martin Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and shark hunter Quint as they try to stop the shark. The book explores themes of public safety versus economic survival, marital strife, and the primal fear of nature's brutality. Despite mixed critical reviews, the novel was a huge commercial success and led to a iconic film adaptation by Steven Spielberg.

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

The novel follows Joe Buck, a young Texan who leaves his dishwashing job to become a hustler in New York City. Despite his initial failures and the harsh realities of the city, Joe forms a profound bond with Rico 'Ratso' Rizzo, a diminutive and ailing con man. The book explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and the search for human connection in a postmodern America. Through their relationship, Joe and Rico find a sense of belonging and meaning in each other's company, despite the challenges and tragedies they face.

The screenplay follows Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran struggling with insomnia and disillusionment in 1970s New York City. He takes a job as a taxi driver to cope with his sleeplessness and disgust with the city's corruption. As Travis's mental state deteriorates, he becomes obsessed with saving an underage prostitute, Iris, and plots to assassinate a presidential candidate and later the pimp exploiting her. The script is known for its introspective voice-overs and vivid descriptions, capturing the raw emotion and psychological turmoil of its protagonist.