Are you an enthusiast of fantasy literature? Or perhaps someone who enjoys satirical humor, witty narratives, and complex characters? If you’ve answered yes to any of those, then our book recommendation, “Moving Pictures” (1990), might just be your next favorite read. Penned by the legendary British author Terry Pratchett, this novel is the tenth entry in the beloved Discworld series. This article will delve into the book’s storyline, characters, and underlying themes to help discern who might particularly enjoy this literary gem. From seasoned Pratchett fans to new readers searching for an enthralling fantasy read, “Moving Pictures” promises an unforgettable journey.
What’s the Plot of Moving Pictures (1990)?
“Moving Pictures” is the tenth book in the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. The story revolves around the Discworld’s first foray into showbiz, as the alchemists of Ankh-Morpork discover the magic of the silver screen. The story’s main character, Victor, is a student wizard who gets involved in the excitement of the new industry. He stumbles upon a job as the lead actor in the films and meets Ginger, a girl from a small town who dreams of being a star.
As the film industry in Holy Wood grows, strange and dangerous phenomenon start to occur. It’s revealed that the activity in Holy Wood is weakening the fabric of reality, which allows dangerous creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions to try to break through. Victor, Ginger, and their friends, including Gaspode the talking dog, must find a way to stop the chaos and save the day. The book is a hilarious parody of Hollywood and the film industry, filled with Pratchett’s trademark wit and humor.
Main Characters
1. Victor Tugelbend: The protagonist of Moving Pictures, Victor is a student wizard at the Unseen University, who studies just enough to maintain his scholarship but never enough to graduate. He is intelligent, clever, and possesses a certain charm that makes him likable. He becomes the leading man in Holy Wood’s films due to his handsome features and his instinctual ability to do what the camera wants.
2. Theda ‘Ginger’ Withel: Ginger is a farm girl who runs away to Holy Wood to become a star. She is beautiful, determined, and intelligent. Her ambition leads her to become a leading lady in the films, working alongside Victor. Ginger and Victor share a romantic relationship throughout the novel.
3. Gaspode The Wonder Dog: Gaspode is a small, scruffy, talking dog who serves as comic relief throughout the novel. Despite being a dog, Gaspode is highly intelligent and often expresses a world-weary cynicism about humans and their behavior. He is a loyal friend to Victor and Ginger.
4. Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler: Known as C.M.O.T. Dibbler, he is a con artist and salesman who becomes a successful film producer when he discovers the abandoned film equipment in Holy Wood. He is unscrupulous, ambitious, and a master manipulator, always looking for the next big thing to make his fortune.
5. Silverfish: Silverfish is an ancient alchemist who discovers the secret of moving pictures and sets off the events of the novel. He is eccentric, fascinated with his inventions, and somewhat oblivious to the dangers they pose.
6. Laddie: Laddie is a wonder dog, designed by the studio to be the ideal canine actor. Despite being non-talking and non-magical, Laddie continually outperforms Gaspode in popularity.
7. Mustrum Ridcully: The Archchancellor of the Unseen University, Ridcully is a no-nonsense, practical man who has a deep suspicion of anything he deems unnatural, including movies.
These characters, with their distinct personalities and roles, add depth and humor to the narrative of Moving Pictures, making it a memorable addition to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series.
Main Themes of Moving Pictures (1990)
“Moving Pictures” by Terry Pratchett is an intriguing novel that explores numerous themes, including the power of illusions, the impact of fame and celebrity culture, the struggle for identity, and the manipulation of reality.
The power of illusions is a central theme throughout the novel, as the story revolves around a world where moving pictures come to life. This is a metaphor for the power of cinema and mass media in our own world, where illusions can become so powerful that they shape our perception of reality. Pratchett suggests that these illusions can be both enchanting and dangerous, as they can easily manipulate the masses.
The theme of fame and celebrity culture is also prominent in “Moving Pictures”. The characters in the novel become overnight celebrities due to their involvement in the moving pictures, experiencing both the allure and the pitfalls of fame. Pratchett satirically critiques the superficiality of celebrity culture, highlighting its fleeting nature and its tendency to commodify individuals.
Identity is another important theme in the novel. The protagonist, Victor, struggles with his identity as he is drawn into the world of moving pictures. He becomes a famous actor but feels increasingly disconnected from his true self. This struggle reflects the existential crisis that many individuals experience in a media-saturated society, where personal identity can often be overshadowed by public personas.
Lastly, the manipulation of reality is a recurring theme in “Moving Pictures”. The novel explores how reality can be manipulated and distorted through the power of moving pictures. This theme speaks to the ability of mass media to shape public perception and construct alternate realities. It also raises questions about authenticity and truth in a world dominated by illusions.
Overall, Terry Pratchett’s “Moving Pictures” offers a satirical and thought-provoking exploration of media, fame, identity, and the power of illusion.
If you enjoyed this, Try these.
If you found Terry Pratchett’s “Moving Pictures” an enjoyable read, there are several other books that you might like, most of which fall under the genre of satirical fantasy.
1. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: This collaborative work is a satirical take on the coming of the apocalypse. It has the same humor and wit that you can find in “Moving Pictures”.
2. Other books in the Discworld series: “Moving Pictures” is the tenth book in Pratchett’s Discworld series. If you enjoyed it, you’re likely to enjoy the other books in the series as well. They all share the same brand of humor and satire, along with the rich, fantastical setting of Discworld.
3. “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: This is another satirical sci-fi series that might appeal to fans of “Moving Pictures”. Adams’ humor is very similar to Pratchett’s, and the series is also known for its clever take on common sci-fi tropes.
4. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman: This is a standalone novel that shares Pratchett’s love for twisting familiar tropes and expectations. The story takes place in a hidden, magical version of London, and it’s full of the same kind of witty, satirical commentary that you find in “Moving Pictures”.
5. “The Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett: If you enjoyed “Moving Pictures,” you might want to go back to the beginning of the Discworld series with “The Colour of Magic.” It introduces many of the themes and characters that appear throughout the series, and it’s full of the same clever, satirical humor.
6. “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde: This book is the first in a series that’s known for its clever, playful take on literature and literary tropes. It’s a little more grounded in reality than “Moving Pictures”, but it shares Pratchett’s love for satire and wordplay.
7. “The Long Earth” by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter: This is a collaborative series that combines Pratchett’s humor and satire with Baxter’s hard sci-fi storytelling. It’s a little darker and more serious than “Moving Pictures”, but if you enjoyed the clever world-building and satirical commentary in that book, you’ll likely enjoy this series as well.