Dirk Pitt
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Dirk Pitt is a fictional character, the protagonist of a series of bestselling adventure novels written by Clive Cussler. The name Dirk Pitt is a registered trademark of Clive Cussler.
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[edit] Character Information and the Supporting Cast
Dirk Eric Pitt is a renowned adventurer, a sort of blend of Indiana Jones, MacGyver and James Bond. He's described as tall (6'3") with craggy looks, dark wavy hair, and possessing a rangy build. His most striking features are his opaline green eyes, which can be both alluring or intimidating, as need be. Pitt has a commanding presence, this combined with a quick, sly wit, often infuriates those opposed to him. His comical banter with sidekick Al Giordino during stressful situations leaves the reader with little doubt that both are confident of their abilities.
Dirk is the son of Senator George Pitt of California. With a woman named Summer Moran, he has twin children: a son, Dirk Pitt, Jr., and a daughter, Summer Pitt. He has had a long-term relationship with Congresswoman Loren Smith, who he eventually marries. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, with rank of Major (this was changed to the U.S. Naval Academy in the film version of Sahara) with lifelong best friend, Al Giordino. His weapon of choice is a .45 Colt M1911 that he received from his father. His drink of choice is Tequila with salt and lime. He's often seen wearing an orange faced Doxa dive watch.
Pitt is actually named after Dirk Cussler, son of the author, who incidentally is also co-writer of the newest Pitt adventures with his father.
When Dirk Pitt is not traveling, which he is doing most of the time, he lives in his unique home - a remodeled hangar on the grounds of Washington National Airport, near Washington, D.C.. The hangar houses his classic car/antique car collection, as well as a Messerschmitt Me 262 aircraft,a Pullman railroad dining car and an ironcast bathtub with an outboard motor sticking out the back. The hangar also contains items collected from prior adventures, and is protected by a state-of-the-art security system.
In the course of his work as a marine engineer of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), an oceanographic research organization headed by Admiral James Sandecker with Rudi Gunn as second in command, Dirk Pitt has made numerous important shipwreck discoveries, as well as thwarted a large number of plans by villains intent on global catastrophe or world domination. Dirk Pitt went on, in the more recent novels, to become the head of NUMA when Admiral James Sandecker was appointed as Vice President of the United States by President Ward after the Vice President unexpectedly died in office.
[edit] Style
The books are written in the style of fast-paced action, and follow a simple and predictable storyline (see below). Most of the creative effort is devoted to highly detailed descriptions of events and technology that are not necessarily mandatory to get the story across. Determination, perseverance and the tendency to overcome hopeless odds are trademarks of the main characters, who, in difficult situations, use humor to further antagonize their opponents or to lift their own spirits. Often, the activities of the main characters are described over action packed consecutive days as they become more determined and more exhausted. In many of his adventures Dirk Pitt meets an odd, eccentric individual, sometimes explicitly identified as Clive Cussler, sometimes hinted at ("C.C." or something similar). This cameo appearance by the author is relatively unusual in modern novels.
[edit] Themes
The most obvious theme of the novels are respect for, and the mystery of, the sea. It is clear that Cussler has gleaned such an appreciation from his personal life, and this is expressed continuously throughout each novel. It is not difficult to arrive at the conclusion that Cussler wishes a governmental organization such as "Fictional" NUMA (as described in the novels) existed to protect and explore the oceans, managed by a "can-do" person such as Sandecker. It is noted that Cussler formed an organization, called NUMA, which has a slightly different purpose. The Cussler "NUMA" is a non-profit company devoted to shipwreck exploration.
Another primary theme of the Dirk Pitt novels is that the merger and combination of the modern and the ancient are of value. Compare the ultra modern computer lab run by Hiram Yeager to the unorganized book collection of St. Julien Perlmutter, both are used to the advantage of Dirk Pitt even within the same novel. The technogicially advanced NUMA scientific equipment is supplemented by classic cars and aircraft. The deep interest of Dirk Pitt to seeking out shipwrecks and solving old puzzles often leads to discoveries useful in the modern world. Characters in the novels explore and preserve history.
The books stress the sanctity of human life, the characters will spare no expense or personal sacrifice to save a single life, though the plots usually involve events affecting thousands.
[edit] Films
Pitt has twice appeared on the big screen, in movie adaptations of Raise the Titanic! in 1980, and Sahara in 2005. In the former he was portrayed by Richard Jordan, and in the latter by Matthew McConaughey. Cussler was unhappy with the film adaptation of Sahara, and sued the production company. Cussler had both casting and script approval, however, after many rejected drafts, the production decided on one and began filming without Cussler's consent, leading for him to pursue legal action for violating their agreement.
[edit] Characteristics of Dirk Pitt novels
- The novels almost always open with a flashback to a historic or ancient event.
- The next sequence is often a heroic rescue by Pitt which foils or reveals information later linked to the antagonist.
- Next, Pitt is usually given a NUMA assignment that at first appears unrelated to the events causing the rescue, but which will relate back later in the book.
- Pitt often meets or saves a woman who is involved in the plot in some way.
- A villain or villains cause events to occur which either deliberately or accidentally would cause serious and dramatic worldwide injury to people or the environment.
- The main villain tries to kill Pitt which always leads to the destruction of one of Pitts classic cars.
- The main villain becomes personally agitated by Pitt and/or Al Giordino, despite the fact that the villain is always the head of a huge criminal organization.
- At some point the following happen:
- "Clive Cussler" makes a brief appearance (see above).
- A historic or classic automobile or aircraft is momentarily featured, and often wrecked or destroyed.
- High tech NUMA technology is employed.
- Eventually Pitt discovers the facts surrounding the introductory historical event and may keep a memento of the event, which is mentioned in subsequent books (usually as part of his collection at his residence).
- Corrupt government officials are revealed.
- By the end of the book, said destroyed car is always rebuilt, and used in the seduction of said saved woman.
Sometimes, mistakes are made; some of them huge. For example, in an earlier novel, the father of Pitt's girlfriend (Congresswoman Loren Smith) is murdered. However, when Pitt married her in one of the most recent novels, her father attended the wedding.
[edit] List of novels
Dirk Pitt adventure novels
- The Mediterranean Caper (1973)
- Iceberg (1975)
- Raise the Titanic! (1976)
- Vixen 03 (1978)
- Night Probe! (1981)
- Pacific Vortex! (1983)
- Deep Six (1984)
- Cyclops (1986)
- Treasure (1988)
- Dragon (1990)
- Sahara (1992)
- Inca Gold (1994)
- Shock Wave (1996)
- Flood Tide (1997)
- Atlantis Found (1999)
- Valhalla Rising (2001)
- Trojan Odyssey (2003)
- Black Wind (2004) - Written with son Dirk Cussler
- Treasure of Khan (December 5, 2006) - Written with son Dirk Cussler
Although Pacific Vortex was released in 1983, it is actually the first Dirk Pitt novel. The events of Pacific Vortex happen before those of The Mediterranean Caper.
The 19th novel in the Dirk Pitt franchise is under the working title of "Treasure of Khan", but can be confirmed for a December 5, 2006 release date.
There is also a Dirk Pitt reference book:
- Dirk Pitt and Clive Cussler Revealed (1998) - Written with Craig Dirgo
[edit] External links
- Cussler's Realm Fan site listing Dirk's Collection and containing other Dirk Pitt information.
- Clive Cussler Collector's Society An organization devoted to Clive Cussler's works.
- Chris' Guide To Dirk Pitt A fan site with a good reference to Dirk Pitt's Hangar.
- [1] The Clive Cussler Forum has many discussion about anything Clive Cussler-related.
- Cusslermen are collectors of Clive Cussler memorabilia.
