Pulp Fiction Screenwriter Arrested On Suspicion Of Manslaughter

Normally we try not to delve into the world of Hollywood Gossip, but this new bit is sad and likely of geek interest.

Academy Award-winning screenwriter Roger Avary has been arrested today for suspicion of manslaughter and felony driving under the influence, after a passenger, 34-year-old Italian Andreas Zini, was killed in Avary's single-car automobile accident. Avary's wife Gretchen was ejected from the car into the street, and is listed in stable condition.

There is never an excuse for drunk driving, but it's so sad to see this happen to such a nice guy. I have talked with Avary on two separate occasions, and he always seemed like such a decent, down to earth guy. Supposedly Avary had drunk a couple of glasses of wine at dinner a half an hour earlier. The sheriff's department has confirmed that Avary was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which happened shortly after midnight. Avary was arrested, but later released on $50,000 bail. Being responsible for the death of someone is sure to change the course of Avary's life and career forever (as it probably should). But it's still sad that one stupid mistake could have such a long lasting effect.

Avary is probably best known for co-writing Pulp Fiction with Quentin Tarantino. His screenwriting credits include: Silent Hill and Beowulf (which he wrote alongside Neil Gaiman). He also directed two films, Killing Zoe and the 2002 adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' The Rules of Attraction.