Moving Pictures – Summary
Moving Pictures, the tenth novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, is a hilarious and satirical exploration of the film industry set in the fantastical realm of Discworld. The story begins with the death of Deccan Ribobe, the last guardian of Holy Wood, a mysterious place with ancient power. This event unleashes a strange force that inspires the alchemists of Ankh-Morpork to invent moving pictures, known as “clicks”.
As the fledgling film industry takes root in Holy Wood, it attracts a diverse cast of characters. Victor Tugelbend, a dropout wizard from Unseen University, and Theda “Ginger” Withel, a small-town girl with big dreams, find themselves thrust into stardom. Meanwhile, the notorious salesman Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler seizes the opportunity to become a successful film producer.
The story follows the rapid growth of the click-making business, transforming Holy Wood into a bustling hub of creativity and commerce. Humans, dwarfs, trolls and even talking animals like Gaspode the Wonder Dog all play their part in this new world of celluloid dreams.
However, as the industry flourishes, a sinister force begins to stir. The power of Holy Wood grows stronger, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Victor and Ginger find themselves at the centre of this magical maelstrom, forced to confront the dangerous entities that their newfound fame has awakened.
The novel cleverly parodies various aspects of early Hollywood, from the silent film era to the golden age of cinema. Pratchett weaves in references to classic films, iconic stars, and the often absurd nature of the movie-making process. The story also explores deeper themes about the nature of reality, the power of dreams, and the impact of mass media on society.
As the danger escalates, Victor and Ginger must race against time to prevent the barrier between reality and imagination from collapsing entirely. The fate of not just Holy Wood, but potentially the entire Discworld, hangs in the balance as the climactic scene unfolds.
Key Themes:
- The power of imagination and its potential dangers
- The impact of mass media on society and culture
- The blurring of reality and fiction
- The nature of fame and its consequences
- The absurdity and magic of the film-making process
Character Details:
Victor Tugelbend
Victor is a former student of Unseen University who becomes the unlikely star of Holy Wood’s moving pictures. Intelligent and physically fit, Victor is characterised by his laid-back attitude and reluctance to exert himself unnecessarily. His magical training and quick thinking make him uniquely suited to navigate the strange world of Holy Wood. Despite his initial passivity, Victor grows into his role as a hero, using his wit and magical knowledge to confront the dangers that threaten Discworld.
Theda “Ginger” Withel
Ginger is a small-town girl who dreams of stardom and finds it in Holy Wood. Also known by her stage name Delores de Syn, Ginger quickly becomes one of the biggest stars of the clicks. She’s ambitious and determined, with a natural talent for acting that captivates audiences. However, Ginger is also deeply affected by the strange magic of Holy Wood, often sleepwalking towards the mysterious hill. Her journey represents the allure and potential pitfalls of fame.
Cut-Me-Own-Throat Dibbler
C.M.O.T. Dibbler is Ankh-Morpork’s most infamous entrepreneur, known for his questionable business practices and ability to sell anything to anyone. In Moving Pictures, Dibbler becomes a successful film producer, bringing his unique brand of salesmanship to the industry. He embodies the commercialisation of art, always looking for the next big thing that will make him rich. Despite his often unethical methods, Dibbler’s enthusiasm and adaptability make him a key player in Holy Wood’s rise.
Gaspode the Wonder Dog
Gaspode is a small, mangy dog gifted with the ability to speak due to Holy Wood’s magic. Cynical and world-weary, Gaspode provides much of the novel’s sardonic commentary on the events unfolding in Holy Wood. He reluctantly becomes involved in the film industry, managing the career of Laddie, a beautiful but dim-witted dog who becomes a star. Gaspode’s street smarts and ability to see through the illusions of Holy Wood make him an invaluable ally to Victor and Ginger.
Thomas Silverfish
Thomas Silverfish is the President of the Alchemists’ Guild and one of the pioneers of the moving picture industry in Discworld. His name is a parody of Samuel Goldwyn, one of the founders of Hollywood. Silverfish represents the technical and creative side of filmmaking, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with alchemy and magic to create more impressive clicks.
Reader Fit
Moving Pictures is perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series who enjoy a blend of fantasy, satire, and pop culture references. It’s particularly appealing to readers with an interest in cinema history, as the book is filled with clever nods to classic films and Hollywood tropes. Those who appreciate Pratchett’s trademark wit, wordplay, and ability to use fantasy as a lens for examining real-world issues will find much to enjoy.
The novel is also a good entry point for newcomers to the Discworld series, as it introduces new characters and concepts while still connecting to the broader world.
Quick Facts:
- Genre: Comic Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1990
- Reading Time Estimate: 8-10 hours
- Notable Awards: None specific to this book, but Terry Pratchett was awarded the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
Related Books:
- “Soul Music” by Terry Pratchett – Another Discworld novel that explores the impact of a new form of popular entertainment on the Disc.
- “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – A collaborative novel that shares Pratchett’s humorous take on the supernatural.
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams – A similarly witty and satirical take on science fiction themes.
