Exploring Character Revelation and Motivations in the Novel vs. Film Adaptation

Magic is misdirection, and Richard Attenborough and William Goldman do a terrific job of misdirecting the audience in this 1978 thriller. Like The King of Comedy and Limelight, the film looks at the desperation of people who want to be recognized; unlike those films, there’s nothing funny about the hero’s struggle. Join us for a conversation about a film so unsettling that even the TV spot (featured at the start of the episode) caused people to run from their living rooms. So put down the dummy and give it a listen!

William Goldman’s Adventures in the Screen Trade (1989) and Which Lie Did I Tell? (2001) both offer the renowned screenwriter’s advice about writing films and understanding how they work—or don’t.

Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley.

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