Moving Pictures: A Discworld Novel (Paperback)

As the title suggests, Moving Pictures is Pratchett's take on Hollywood. In a manner similar to his approach to Men at Arms, The Truth, and Going Postal, Pratchett takes the development of the motion picture industry and through the literary equivalent of time-lapse photography compresses it so that the reader experiences in a brief time span that which occurred over decades on our slower-moving planet. The result is hilariously funny and made me shake my head and murmur, how did we let this nonsense happen.

CAST OF CHARACTERS: As a click trailer might say: Introducing Victor and Ginger (think Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers) as the leading man and lady of this epic. Also new to Discworld is Thomas Silverfish (think Samuel Goldwyn of MGM fame), the first big producer on Discworld. As in Casablanca, Pratchett has also rounded up the usual suspects. Cut Me Own Throat Dibbler (can't think of a character on earth that remotely resembles Dibbler!) and Gaspode (think Oscar Levant as played by a stray dog) are featured prominently and hilariously. This is a big step up for these two contract players in the Discworld series! Rounding out the featured players is that zany group of performers known as the wizards, led by their fearless librarian (think the Keystone Kops meets Planet of the Apes). And, as they say, a cast of thousands, including assorted trolls, an overly obsequious dog known as Laddie (think Lassie) and other delightful diverse denizens of Discworld.

THE PLOT: The plot is simple. It is about the power of dreams in a world, as Dibbler might say, "gone mad". Dreams, particularly the dreams of Ginger, play a critical role in the book. A group of alchemists have invented movies or clicks as they come to be known on Discworld. Fearing that such magic might anger the wizards of Unseen University the alchemists move out of Ankh-Morpork to a strange and wondrous place called Holy Wood. In what seems like only days, clicks become the next big thing. People from around Discworld come to Holy Wood for no apparent reason other than a strange compulsion. Perhaps mysterious forces are at work? The excitement level gradually builds, the outlines of an evil, dark plot by the spirit world reveals itself as in a dream, until all heck breaks loose. Victor strives valiantly to save the universe with the wizards following close behind in a manner reminiscent of the Keystone Kops. The climactic fight scene is both dramatic and hilariously funny. Of course, the fun in any Pratchett novel is not the ending but the journey. Hollywood references abound. It is always fun trying to spot some, even those which Pratchett may never have intended. Dibbler's hilarious product placements and his `invention' of subliminal advertising were worth the price of admission.

Some have suggested that Moving Pictures is not as `good' as his other Discworld books. There is an inference, perhaps, that it does not address profound issues relating to life, the universe and everything as was the case in Mort, Small Gods, or Thief of Time. For me, however, the profusion of cultural gods (from Valentino to Pacino) created by Hollywood and its enormous impact on popular culture throughout the world seems just as worthy of the typical Pratchett treatment as small gods in the form of a turtle. I also have to add that it was a pleasure seeing both Gaspode and Dibbler in more prominent roles.

All in all, as I finished Discworld I kept coming back to Bogart looking wistfully at the worthless Maltese Falcon that so many people had died in pursuit of their dreams. Perhaps for his next click, Dibbler can have Victor close by reminding the audience that, like Prospero:

Our revels now are ended: these our actors
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air:
And, like the baseless fabric of this vision
The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yes, and all which it inherit, shall dissolve,
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a wrack behind: We are such stuff
As dreams are made of, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.

Th-th-th-that's all folks!!!

Moving Pictures follows individuals from the population melange of the Discworld's greatest city. An unseen force entices them from reasonably comfortable lives in Ankh-Morpork to a realm of uncertainty and confusion. Victor Tuglebend, aspiring almost-wizard, is inexplicably lured to a desolate desert site. The trees have but one real side, and houses are one type in the front, something else at the back. He's not certain he wants to stay, but the life is too compelling to leave. How do you build a career in a new form of communication? Especially one built on the most unsubstantial foundation of fantasy - and film that explodes. What actually happens before an imp-inhabited box that transforms a chaos of people, contrived scenery and improbable stories into something we willingly - no, eagerly, shell out hard-earned money to watch?

Victor's becomes immersed into the "clicks" industry as he deals with all these improbabilities. As Pratchett builds his story, his expressive genius is given full rein. He draws cliches from the film industry's giants - Producer Thomas Silverfish is derived from Samuel Goldwyn [born Samuel Gelbfisch] among innumerable others. In a narrative rich with imagery - exotic dancer Ruby, a Troll, moves around the stage "like continental drift with curves" - Pratchett traces Victor's increasing awareness of the industry. An inexplicable force is drawing people to Holy Wood. It changes the lives of everyone as it's influence permeates the Discworld. This force builds in vigour and influence. Its effect seems stronger with actresses. Victor's co-star, Ginger, is even more vulnerable to its call. She wants to be the "most important person in the world". Who will consider her "important"? You?

There's a positive side to Holy Wood's mystical powers. On the Discworld there are many species - trolls, gnomes, dwarves. Many of these would battle each other on sight. In Holy Wood, however, they mingle and cooperate. Getting the click finished, on time and over budget is the commonly held goal. Tradtitional animosities are set aside to complete the project. Is the price worth entering the world of delusional images and the admiration of millions? You must decide that for yourself. Pratchett will help you settle the question. And in doing so, will keep you chuckling and reflecting. An amazing and captivating story.

Oh, yes. That'll be ten A-M cents for the bag of banged grains. Thank you. Enjoy the show. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]