Peter Handke is journalist, translater and highly successful
writer of plays and prose. Many of his works have been translated
into various languages.
His style is largely influenced by the aesthetics and theory
of postmodernism. Especially in his early works Peter Handke
loves to experience with language. Language is central to his
literature rather than merely a means to further the plot. His
early novel 'Die Angst des Tormanns vorm Elfmeter' (The Goalie's
Anxiety at Penalty) explores the limitations and disintegration
of language and reason.
In line with postmodern tradition Handke blurrs the limitations
of literature and genre, freely mixing styles and disappointing
conventional expectations of his readers and audience. Famous
example is his early play 'Publikumsbeschimpfungen' (Scoldings
of the audience), a play that scandalized Viennese theatre scene.
Handke's oevre is large and often characterized by long sentences
and a distinct sense of utopia behind all the disintegration
and criticism.
Handke also worked as translator and for radio and television.
Wim Wenders turned one of Handke's screenplays into a
legendary film: 'Himmel über Berlin' which was adapted
for the American market as 'City of Angels' starring Meg Ryan
and Nicolas cage. By the way, the plot of 'Himmel über
Berlin' is based on Goethe's 'Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre' (Wilhelm
Meister’s apprenticeship).
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