Films To Be Buried With with Brett Goldstein Jack Thorne (writer / playwright / Lord Of The Flies / His Dark Materials) • #330
Dec 18, 2024
Join prolific writer and playwright Jack Thorne, known for 'His Dark Materials' and 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' as he opens up about the creative process behind his projects. He discusses the challenges of adaptation and how personal narratives play a crucial role in storytelling. Thorne explores themes of identity and representation, particularly regarding autism in media. He also shares his unique work ethic and reflects on the emotional impact of childhood films, showcasing the deep connections between creativity and personal experience.
01:06:03
Four-Fifths of *The Jungle Book*
- Jack Thorne's first remembered film was The Jungle Book, but only four-fifths of it.
- He hid during Baloo's apparent death, too upset to continue, showcasing his childhood sensitivity.
Films That Scared
- They Shoot Horses, Don't They? deeply affected Thorne, particularly the brutal dance marathon scene.
- Sideways scared him by mirroring his own loneliness in Luton, fearing a similar unhappy future.
Tearjerker Films
- The Sun's Room resonated with Thorne as the best portrayal of grief.
- An ER episode, "Love's Labor's Lost", also deeply moved him with Dr. Green's heroic yet ultimately tragic efforts.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring Creative Lives Through Film
01:58 • 5min
The Art of Adaptation and Identity
06:32 • 27min
Exploring Magic, Mental Health, and Emotional Impact
33:46 • 14min
Nostalgia and Representation in Media
47:16 • 8min
Cinematic Reflections and Family Bonds
55:15 • 18min
The Afterlife of Film and Television: A Personal Touch
01:13:24 • 6min
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Jean-François Ménard
John Tiffany
Jack Thorne
J.K. Rowling
Jack Thorne's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is a two-part play that continues the story of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger nineteen years after the events of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." The play explores themes of family, legacy, and the challenges of growing up. It delves into the complexities of Harry's relationship with his son, Albus Severus, and the challenges they face together. The play introduces new characters and expands on the existing magical world, offering a new chapter in the beloved Harry Potter saga.
Four weddings and a funeral
Four weddings and a funeral
Richard Curtis
Richard Curtis' "Four Weddings and a Funeral" is a romantic comedy that follows a group of friends as they navigate love, loss, and life's ups and downs. The film's witty dialogue and its ensemble cast of talented actors have made it a popular film. The film's exploration of the complexities of human relationships has made it a compelling and enduring work. The film's memorable characters and its exciting plot have made it a classic.
Wonder
R. J. Palacio
R.J. Palacio's "Wonder" is a heartwarming and inspiring novel about August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters a mainstream school for the first time. The story is told from multiple perspectives, offering insights into August's experiences and the impact he has on those around him. The novel explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. "Wonder" celebrates the power of empathy and understanding, reminding readers of the importance of treating everyone with respect and compassion.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
Horace McCoy
Horace McCoy's "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is a novel depicting a grueling dance marathon during the Great Depression. The story follows a group of desperate contestants who endure physical and emotional hardship in their pursuit of the prize money. The novel explores themes of desperation, survival, and the dehumanizing effects of poverty. McCoy's stark portrayal of the human condition and the harsh realities of the era have made the novel a powerful and enduring work.
Minari
Minari
Nergis Dalal
Minari is a film that tells the story of a Korean-American family who moves to Arkansas to start a farm. The film explores themes of family, immigration, and the challenges of pursuing the American dream. The film's realistic portrayal of family life and its exploration of cultural identity have made it a critical and commercial success. The film's beautiful cinematography and its moving performances have earned it widespread praise.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
null
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg's "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is a science fiction film about a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. The film explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the importance of connection. The film's heartwarming story and its memorable characters have made it a classic. The film's special effects were groundbreaking for its time, and its emotional depth has resonated with audiences for decades.
His Dark Materials
Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" is a fantasy trilogy following Lyra Belacqua as she journeys through a parallel universe where humans are accompanied by daemon companions. The series explores themes of free will, religious dogma, and the nature of truth. Lyra's adventures involve encounters with witches, armored bears, and other fantastical creatures. The trilogy's complex plot and philosophical depth have earned it critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Rain Man
null
Barry Morrow
Barry Morrow's "Rain Man" is a film that tells the story of Charlie Babbitt, a self-centered businessman who discovers he has an autistic savant brother, Raymond. The film explores themes of family, acceptance, and the challenges of autism. Dustin Hoffman's performance as Raymond is particularly noteworthy, earning him an Academy Award. The film's emotional depth and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships have made it a classic.
Bogus
Bogus
Jill Ganger
Bogus is a film about a workaholic woman who is given a child and bonds with the child's imaginary friend. The film explores themes of family, imagination, and the challenges of single parenthood. The film's exploration of the complexities of human relationships has made it a compelling and enduring work. The film's memorable characters and its exciting plot have made it a classic.
The Sun's Room
The Sun's Room
null
Nani Moretti
Nani Moretti's "The Sun's Room" is a film exploring the themes of grief and family dynamics. The story follows a family grappling with the loss of a child. The film's emotional depth and realistic portrayal of grief make it a powerful and moving experience. Moretti's direction is both sensitive and insightful, capturing the complexities of human emotion. The film's quiet moments and subtle performances create a lasting impact on the viewer.
The Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day is a novel told through the first-person narration of Stevens, a long-serving butler at Darlington Hall. In the summer of 1956, Stevens embarks on a six-day motoring trip through the West Country, which becomes a journey into his past. The novel explores Stevens' memories of his service during and after World War II, his relationship with the former housekeeper Miss Kenton, and the decline of the English aristocracy. It delves into themes of regret, repression, and the consequences of dedicating one's life to professional duty at the expense of personal happiness. The story is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the reliability of memory, and the human cost of maintaining a rigid professional persona[1][3][5].
Whiplash
How to Survive Our Faster Future
William S. Brady
The Bee Sting
Paul Murray
Armageddon
null
Bart D. Ehrman
Enola Holmes
The Case of the Missing Marquess
Nancy Springer
When Enola Holmes discovers her mother has disappeared, she sets out on a journey to London to find her. Along the way, she becomes involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, must elude her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft, and decode clues to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance. This book is praised for its intelligent, resourceful, and brave protagonist, Enola, and its blend of mystery, adventure, and historical detail.
Lord of the Flies
William Golding
In 'Lord of the Flies', William Golding tells the story of a group of British schoolboys who are stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The novel follows their attempts to govern themselves and the gradual descent into chaos and savagery. The story is an allegory that explores themes of human nature, morality, leadership, and the fragility of civilization. Key characters include Ralph, who represents order and democracy; Jack, who symbolizes power and violence; and Piggy, the voice of reason. The novel highlights the tension between the desire for civilization and the primal savagery that lies beneath the surface of human society.
A Christmas carol
Jacqueline Goldfinger
Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.
Sideways
Rex Pickett
The novel follows Miles, a recently divorced wine aficionado and aspiring novelist, and Jack, a charismatic television director, as they take a week-long road trip through the Santa Ynez Valley. The trip is a last hurrah for Jack before his wedding, and it becomes a journey of self-discovery and camaraderie. The book delves into the characters' antics, their appreciation for wine, and the dawning realization of adulthood. It is known for its humorous and thought-provoking portrayal of men, women, and human behavior, with a significant focus on wine culture[3][4][5].
LOOK OUT! It’s only Films To Be Buried With!
Join your host Brett Goldstein as he talks life, death, love and the universe with the fascinating and awesome writer, playwright and producer JACK THORNE!
Jack is one of the most busy behind-the-scenes folks in the business, having worked on or generated so many of the great projects out there in the wide world. He's also someone who you don't always hear from, so this is a rare treat to get inside the mind of someone who doesn't often chat openly about all things writing and production... Hear about all things including intimidating projects, a non wifi work ethic, the chasm of despair, setting the tone, sad times in Luton, Barry Norman, autism and the TV Access Project, the Whoopi defence and depressing things on Channel 4! So much. ENJOY!
Video and extra audio available on Brett's Patreon!
SUPERBOB (Brett's 2015 feature film)
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