Moving Pictures
Terry Pratchett’s Moving Pictures is the tenth novel in his Discworld series, originally published in 1990. Like many of Pratchett’s works, the novel is both a satire and a love letter to a specific cultural phenomenon—in this case, the early days of Hollywood and the rise of cinema. Moving Pictures blends fantasy, humor, and social commentary, while simultaneously poking fun at the glamour and absurdity of the film industry. This article will explore the plot, key characters, inspiration, and the themes of the novel, diving into Pratchett’s unique storytelling style.
Plot Summary
The novel is set in the fantastical world of Discworld, a flat planet carried by four giant elephants standing on the back of a great turtle, the Great A’Tuin, floating through space. In Moving Pictures, a new and mysterious force awakens in the ancient city of Holy Wood. This power draws many characters to the city, where the alchemists have discovered how to create “moving pictures”—magical films that captivate audiences across Discworld.
The story follows Victor Tugelbend, a perpetually lazy student at the Unseen University for wizards. He stumbles upon Holy Wood and becomes a reluctant star in its film industry. Alongside Victor is Theda “Ginger” Withel, a young woman with dreams of fame, who quickly becomes the leading lady of Holy Wood’s first blockbusters. They are soon swept into a plot involving ancient, forgotten powers and the potential destruction of reality as they know it.
Meanwhile, the magical “clicks” (the Discworld version of films) are not just harmless entertainment. There is something deeper and more sinister happening behind the scenes. The force behind Holy Wood is an ancient power that, once awakened, seeks to break through the boundaries between reality and the world of the moving pictures, threatening the entire Discworld.
As the situation escalates, Victor, Ginger, and their companions—including Gaspode the talking dog and Laddie the faithful sheepdog—must stop this power from taking over and destroying everything. In the end, they manage to save the Discworld by closing the portal that connects the world of cinema with reality, restoring balance.
The story follows Victor Tugelbend, a perpetually lazy student at the Unseen University for wizards. He stumbles upon Holy Wood and becomes a reluctant star in its film industry. Alongside Victor is Theda “Ginger” Withel, a young woman with dreams of fame, who quickly becomes the leading lady of Holy Wood’s first blockbusters. They are soon swept into a plot involving ancient, forgotten powers and the potential destruction of reality as they know it.
Meanwhile, the magical “clicks” (the Discworld version of films) are not just harmless entertainment. There is something deeper and more sinister happening behind the scenes. The force behind Holy Wood is an ancient power that, once awakened, seeks to break through the boundaries between reality and the world of the moving pictures, threatening the entire Discworld.
As the situation escalates, Victor, Ginger, and their companions—including Gaspode the talking dog and Laddie the faithful sheepdog—must stop this power from taking over and destroying everything. In the end, they manage to save the Discworld by closing the portal that connects the world of cinema with reality, restoring balance.
Characters
Victor Tugelbend
Victor is an anti-hero of sorts. A student wizard at Unseen University, he is determined to pass just enough exams to avoid being expelled but not enough to graduate, as this would require him to actually work. Despite his reluctance, he is pulled into the world of Holy Wood and becomes an unlikely hero. His wit, combined with his natural laziness, makes for a comical yet relatable protagonist.
Theda “Ginger” Withel
Theda Withel, or Ginger as she prefers to be called, is the Discworld’s answer to the glamorous, aspiring movie star. She is fiercely determined to make it big in Holy Wood, and her ambition leads her into the mysterious and often dangerous world of “clicks.” She plays a central role in uncovering the true power behind Holy Wood.
Gaspode the Talking Dog
One of the most memorable characters in Moving Pictures is Gaspode, a small, scruffy dog who, through exposure to Holy Wood’s magical energy, gains the ability to speak. Gaspode is cynical, streetwise, and serves as a humorous counterpoint to the more idealistic Victor and Ginger. His ability to see things others overlook makes him invaluable in the quest to save the Discworld.
Laddie
In contrast to Gaspode, Laddie is the archetype of the loyal and oblivious canine companion. He is portrayed as the ultimate “good boy”—handsome, heroic, and everything a traditional movie dog would be, but without Gaspode’s street smarts. Laddie is a parody of film dogs like Lassie, and his role highlights Pratchett’s satire of movie tropes.
Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler
Dibbler is a recurring character in the Discworld series, known for his relentless and dubious entrepreneurial spirit. In Moving Pictures, he takes on the role of a film producer, constantly pushing for bigger and more extravagant productions, all in the name of profit. His character serves as a critique of the opportunistic and often shallow nature of the entertainment industry.
Archchancellor Ridcully and the Wizards
The wizards of Unseen University, led by Archchancellor Ridcully, provide comic relief as they bumble through the events of the story. Their obliviousness to the growing threat posed by Holy Wood’s power is a running gag, and their attempts to intervene are often hilariously ineffective.
Inspiration
Terry Pratchett’s Moving Pictures draws heavily from the history and culture of early Hollywood. The novel is filled with references to classic films, movie stars, and famous directors. Pratchett’s inspiration comes from the Golden Age of Cinema, when the film industry was still developing and beginning to realize its immense cultural and commercial power.
Pratchett also includes nods to iconic films like King Kong, Gone with the Wind, and Casablanca, parodying famous scenes and characters. Holy Wood itself mirrors the early Hollywood, a place where magic (both literal and figurative) can make anything seem possible, and where ambition and vanity often collide.
In addition, Moving Pictures explores the phenomenon of movie-making as a form of modern-day myth-making, with the power to shape reality and culture. Holy Wood becomes a stand-in for Hollywood’s cultural dominance, reflecting the idea that cinema has the power to alter perception, for better or worse.
Themes
The Power of Stories and Myths
At its core, Moving Pictures is a novel about the power of stories. In Discworld, stories have an almost physical presence, and the world of Holy Wood taps into this raw narrative force. Pratchett examines the idea that stories—whether ancient myths or modern films—have the power to shape reality. The world of the “clicks” in Holy Wood is so powerful that it begins to bleed into real life, creating an existential threat to the Discworld itself.
Pratchett seems to suggest that stories, especially in their visual form as movies, can become dangerous when they start to replace reality. This theme resonates with the modern world, where media and entertainment can often blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Satire of the Film Industry
As with many Discworld novels, satire plays a central role in Moving Pictures. Pratchett takes aim at the film industry, highlighting its absurdity, vanity, and superficiality. Through characters like Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler, the novel pokes fun at the money-driven nature of Hollywood, where art and commerce often clash. The film producers in Holy Wood are less interested in the content of their films than in their potential for profit, reflecting real-world criticisms of the entertainment industry’s focus on blockbusters over substance.
Moreover, the novel satirizes the glamour of Hollywood stars. Theda Withel, for instance, becomes a parody of the stereotypical ambitious starlet. Her pursuit of fame mirrors the often dangerous allure of celebrity culture, where the desire for stardom can lead to exploitation and loss of self-identity.
Ambition and Vanity
Another key theme in Moving Pictures is the tension between ambition and vanity. Many of the characters, particularly Victor and Ginger, are drawn to Holy Wood by the promise of fame and success. However, their ambition is often contrasted with the empty, transient nature of the fame they seek. The movie-making process in Holy Wood is ultimately hollow, driven by illusion and spectacle rather than substance.
This theme also ties into the broader critique of Hollywood as a place where the pursuit of fame can come at the cost of one’s integrity and values. Through the arc of Victor and Ginger, Pratchett examines the seductive nature of ambition, as well as the dangers of becoming consumed by vanity.
The Fragility of Reality
One of the novel’s most profound themes is the fragility of reality itself. As Holy Wood’s magical power grows, the boundary between fiction and reality begins to erode. Pratchett suggests that while stories and films are powerful tools for understanding the world, they can also distort reality when taken too far. In Moving Pictures, the “clicks” become more than mere entertainment—they start to reshape the Discworld in dangerous ways.
This idea is particularly relevant in a world increasingly shaped by media and entertainment. Pratchett warns against allowing fiction to dominate reality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between the two.
Moving Pictures
‘HOLY WOOD IS A DIFFERENT SORT OF PLACE . . . HERE, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO BE IMPORTANT.’
Moving Pictures
Moving Pictures is a richly layered novel that blends fantasy, satire, and cultural commentary. By exploring the world of Holy Wood, Terry Pratchett provides readers with a humorous yet thought-provoking take on the film industry and the power of stories. Through his memorable characters, sharp wit, and deep themes, Pratchett offers a timeless reflection on the allure of fame, the dangers of ambition, and the role of entertainment in shaping reality. Whether you’re a Discworld fan or a cinephile, Moving Pictures remains a relevant and insightful read.
If you enjoyed Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett and are looking for similar books, here are some recommendations that share similar elements such as satire, humor, fantasy, or critiques of pop culture:
1. “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
- This collaborative novel by Pratchett and Gaiman blends apocalyptic prophecy with sharp wit and humor. Like Moving Pictures, it offers a humorous take on larger-than-life events, in this case, the end of the world. The novel features memorable characters and satirizes religion, human nature, and the concept of fate, with the same playful absurdity found in Discworld.
2. “Sourcery” by Terry Pratchett
- Another novel from the Discworld series, Sourcery focuses on the world of wizards and magic, much like Moving Pictures. It explores themes of power and destiny with Pratchett’s signature humor and irreverence. If you enjoy the humorous fantasy of Moving Pictures, you’ll find Sourcery to be a similarly delightful read.
3. “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde
- Fforde’s novel takes place in a world where literature and reality blend together, much like how cinema and reality intersect in Moving Pictures. The protagonist, Thursday Next, is a literary detective tasked with solving crimes that take place within the plots of classic novels. This book is full of wit, literary references, and absurdist humor, making it a great read for fans of Pratchett’s style.
4. “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents” by Terry Pratchett
- Another Pratchett novel, but this time a standalone within the Discworld series aimed at younger readers. It offers a satirical take on the Pied Piper legend, blending fantasy with dark humor. The themes of media manipulation and deception present in Moving Pictures can also be found in The Amazing Maurice, though with a more fairy-tale-like charm.
5. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
- For those who love Pratchett’s humor, Douglas Adams’ iconic The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a perfect fit. Like Pratchett, Adams blends science fiction and comedy to critique human nature, bureaucracy, and absurdities of modern life. The novel’s quirky characters and ridiculous scenarios make it a fantastic companion to the satirical tone of Moving Pictures.
6. “The Anubis Gates” by Tim Powers
- This fantasy novel blends historical fiction, time travel, and magic. While less humorous than Pratchett’s work, The Anubis Gates has an intricate plot and richly imagined world that fans of Discworld might appreciate. The novel explores the power of myth, much like Moving Pictures, and its approach to blending historical elements with magical realism will appeal to those who enjoy the mix of the fantastical and the real.
7. “Jingo” by Terry Pratchett
- Another entry from the Discworld series, Jingo tackles political satire and the absurdity of war. Pratchett’s biting wit shines through as he critiques nationalism, diplomacy, and the senselessness of conflict. If you liked the satirical edge of Moving Pictures, you’ll appreciate how Jingo handles similar themes in the political realm.
8. “Small Gods” by Terry Pratchett
- One of Pratchett’s more philosophical novels, Small Gods explores religion, belief, and power in the Discworld universe. It carries the same sharp wit and thought-provoking commentary found in Moving Pictures, with a focus on institutional belief systems. If you enjoy Pratchett’s ability to weave humor with deep themes, this book is a must-read.
9. “The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul” by Douglas Adams
- This sequel to Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency follows holistic detective Dirk Gently as he investigates a series of bizarre events involving Norse gods living in modern London. Like Moving Pictures, it combines absurdity with satire, focusing on larger-than-life figures trapped in mundane situations, making it an excellent choice for readers looking for a mix of fantasy, humor, and mystery.
10. “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke
- While more serious in tone, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell offers a rich, alternate history of England where magic is real. The novel’s dry wit, intricate world-building, and exploration of the relationship between fantasy and reality might appeal to Pratchett fans. Clarke’s attention to myth-making and magical lore mirrors some of the deeper elements found in Moving Pictures.
11. “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett
- If you loved Moving Pictures and want to return to the beginning of the Discworld series, The Colour of Magic is the first book in the saga. It introduces the eccentric and magical world of Discworld, following the inept wizard Rincewind and the naïve tourist Twoflower as they stumble through various adventures. The novel is packed with satire, parodying fantasy tropes in the same way Moving Pictures parodies Hollywood.
12. “Going Postal” by Terry Pratchett
- Another Discworld novel, Going Postal takes a critical look at business, commerce, and communication systems, much like how Moving Pictures examines the entertainment industry. It tells the story of con man Moist von Lipwig, who is forced to become the Postmaster General of Ankh-Morpork. The novel explores themes of reinvention, power, and corruption with Pratchett’s trademark wit.
13. “Lord of Light” by Roger Zelazny
- Zelazny’s novel, like Moving Pictures, explores the idea of gods and myths in a unique setting. In Lord of Light, the gods of Hinduism are the ruling powers on a distant planet, and technology plays a role in shaping mythology. The book’s themes of storytelling, power, and reality may resonate with readers who appreciated Pratchett’s commentary on myth and popular culture.
14. “The Big Over Easy” by Jasper Fforde
- Fforde’s The Big Over Easy is a hilarious reimagining of nursery rhyme characters as part of a gritty detective mystery. Like Moving Pictures, the novel is full of genre parodies and plays on famous tropes, with a unique and humorous twist on classic characters.
15. “American Gods” by Neil Gaiman
- Gaiman’s American Gods explores the clash between ancient mythological gods and modern-day life in America. Like Moving Pictures, it delves into the power of belief and the role of stories in shaping reality. While darker in tone, American Gods shares the same mythological underpinnings that drive the conflict in Moving Pictures.
These books offer a blend of humor, fantasy, and cultural critique, making them excellent reads for fans of Terry Pratchett’s Moving Pictures. Whether you’re looking for more satire of pop culture, mythological explorations, or fantastical humor, these titles provide a wide variety of engaging and thought-provoking stories.