Pratchett's Pictures Worth Looking At
Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett
I was listening to a bookstore clerk dispense what sounded like good advice to a number of patrons when I handed him a copy of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's Good Omens to ring up."Which one of these guys do you like?" he asked me.
"Both, but I've really started to get addicted to Pratchett."
"I can't seem to get interested in Discworld," he said. "Every time I pick one up, I get bogged down and stop."
"Well, if you don't start with The Colour of Magic, the first one, then you have to try Moving Pictures . It may be the best Discworld novel to stand alone."
The clerk impressed me as a thoughtful and voracious reader, and I knew he was hooked when he repeated the name to himself. Meanwhile, I left the store satisfied because, yes, Moving Pictures is that good.
Terry Takes On Hollywood
Pratchett is a brilliant satirist, my favorite next to Christopher Buckley. Unlike Buckley, however, Pratchett has created an alternate universe, the Discworld, where magic blossoms, witches cast spells and a large ensemble cast of recurring characters build their backgrounds and further the series' arc.What makes Moving Pictures different is that readers need not be fans of the series or familiar with those characters. Pratchett skewers Hollywood and the cult of celebrity with a wicked pen that will delight even new readers. The whole experience is similar to watching Shrek or another movie that appeals across generations. Pratchett sprinkles a little bit of something for everyone throughout the book. Even movie theaters are fair game in Moving Pictures.
The Plot In Exactly One Hundred Words
Victor Tugelbend is leading a life going nowhere at the Unseen University when Holy Wood beckons. He sets off on a quest to find the source of this mysterious siren's call and runs across Gaspode, the Wonder Dog, and Theda, an aspiring starlet. There is real chemistry between the two, and they are quickly exploited as stars of the new medium by Cut My Own Throat Dibbler, who has also ventured to Holy Wood as a producer. But Gaspode and Victor realize that something is wrong with Theda and all of Holy Wood, and work to stop trouble from occuring.What Works Well
Pratchett, Pratchett and more Pratchett. Some sinister elements creep into the plot, very similar to the elves in Lords and Ladies. Pratchett may write funny stuff, but he can tap the suspense of a dangerous and foreboding power with the best of them.Gaspode the Wonder Dog is introduced to lighten that plot. He has quickly become one of my favorite of the recurring characters. Don't expect a Disney talking dog here. Gaspode is more like the family pet in the animated series Family Guy. There is also an awful lot of comic relief in the way that films are made -- by demons painting fast while trapped inside a camera box. The latter is straight out of The Flintstones and is a terrific touch.
What Doesn't Work As Well
Victor's character falls far short. Given that he is the protagonist, one expects a bit more depth, but I found myself not caring about him or his conflicts. That is a shame in what would ordinarily have been considered the standalone Discworld novel. Pratchett gets past the shortcoming, but misses a golden opportunity to introduce another strong character to his universe.I also found the pacing a bit rushed and disjointed, much more so than in previous efforts. Whether this was a function of Pratchett trying to do much with too many characters or simply an editorial decision to cut words, the result is a burst of starts and stops like a kid learning to drive a car with a clutch.
The Bottom Line, Dog Earred Pages and All
Despite the pacing and Victor's characterization, Moving Pictures remains a strong book, one that would interest fantasy readers who haven'yet ventured to Discworld or even those who simply enjoy farce. The premise is original and inviting, and Gaspode and CMOT Dibbler make up for the lackadaisical Victor.Five Things To Remember From This Review
1. Moving Pictures can serve as a starting point for entry into the Discworld universe, even though you should read them in order.2. The Hollywood jokes are a riot.
3. Dibbler's character really steps out in this novel, moving far beyond his previously one-dimensional self.
4. Gaspode is a terrific addition to the universe.
5. A knowledge of current pop culture and movies will help in enjoying the jokes. If you can quote from the greats, you'll be fine.
