Kermode & Mayo’s Take THE SALT PATH: Simon and Mark’s reaction. Plus SUPERMAN
Jul 10, 2025
Mark Gatiss, the talented actor and writer behind 'Sherlock' and 'Game of Thrones,' joins Simon and Mark to chat about his whimsical crime comedy, 'Bookish,' where he plays a bookseller-turned-detective in postwar London. Expect delightful discussions on detective fiction and quirky vocabulary! They also dive into the controversy surrounding 'The Salt Path,' exploring authenticity in storytelling. Plus, enjoy insights on the latest Superman film, blending humor with serious themes and paying homage to classic styles.
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Salt Path Controversy and Accuracy
- The Salt Path film is a faithful adaptation of the book, but the book's truthfulness is disputed by investigative journalism.
- Medical claims about the character's illness seem inconsistent with expert knowledge, raising serious doubts about the story's accuracy.
Author's Responsibility for Accuracy
- Mark Kermode stresses the immense responsibility authors have to verify facts in non-fiction works.
- He relates his own recent stressful experience finalizing a book, constantly checking facts to ensure accuracy.
Writing Bookish as a Script
- Mark Gatiss originally planned to write "Bookish" as a novel but found the tone fit better as a script during lockdown.
- Writing the story as a script allowed more natural dialogue and black comedy elements to emerge.
