Book SummaryAdventures in the Screen Trade, by William Goldman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Adventures in the Screen Trade

The upper tiers of Hollywood's movie-making community include not only actors but also top-level executives, directors, and producers, all of whom play a role in the creation of films.

Goldman explores the complex web of relationships between key Hollywood players, including performers, those who lead studios, filmmakers, and film producers, examining the impact of their authority on the filmmaking process. He underscores the frequently tense but cooperative dynamic between these collectives, all striving for success, while each holds doubts about their respective functions in the world of film.

Stars

Goldman dedicates a significant portion of his book to unraveling the enigma of stardom. He examines the transient nature of celebrity and how it shapes the behavior of actors, recognizing that their sway stems from a combination of talent, serendipity, and the whimsical favor of those who watch their performances. He explores how fame impacts artistic production, emphasizing the importance of crafting characters that resonate with the known traits and emotional subtleties of the performers.

The transient nature of celebrity status and its impact on the behavior of famous individuals.

The author highlights the fleeting aspect of celebrity status, pointing out that the list of top box-office draws is constantly changing. This inherent transience, he argues, fuels a deep-seated insecurity within stars, often manifesting in unusual and demanding behavior. They often find themselves engulfed by relentless praise, which ironically intensifies their anxiety about diminishing allure, prompting them to select projects that bolster their persona and pander to their vulnerabilities.

He recounts various tales that demonstrate how celebrities often engage in whimsical actions that are atypical for the average person. For example, he narrates an incident where the shooting of a crucial beach scene was delayed because a renowned actor chose to drive a sand rover just when the sun's rays started to cut through the early haze. He recounts a story about an actress who became so upset over her toy poodle's passing that she couldn't leave her trailer, and this happened while lamb chops were being served. These anecdotes, sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating, speak to the unique environment stars inhabit, a world where they rarely encounter disagreement or resistance.

The influence of celebrity status on the necessity to safeguard the priorities of leading actors.

The development of screenplays must be carefully managed to protect the interests of leading actors. This entails the careful construction of characters that accentuate an actor's strongest qualities while steering clear of any aspects that might detract from their carefully constructed image or reveal any weaknesses. The author highlights the reluctance of well-known actors to accept parts that could portray them in a negative light, such as "losers" or "unlikable" figures, frequently insisting on alterations to the screenplay that maintain their portrayal as powerful and commanding figures, even in moments where they appear vulnerable.

He examines this dynamic by meticulously analyzing a particular scene within * The film starring Robert Duvall goes by the title "The Great Santini." He acknowledges the scene's remarkable nature but implies that a leading actor may hesitate to take it on without some alterations. Bull Meachum's irritation from a basketball defeat is taken out on his son, whom he intimidates. A well-known performer may propose subtle changes, such as the addition of dialogue that sheds light on the father figure's intentional loss or emphasizes the causes of his strict behavior, to the script. The portrayal is carefully crafted to maintain the actor's image as strong and attractive, ensuring that it is not diminished by any flaws or weaknesses of the character.

How star insecurity shapes the creative process

The process of creation, according to William Goldman, is significantly shaped by the transient nature of fame, which stems from the vulnerability of individuals in the public eye. This manifests in a constant focus on bolstering their image and avoiding anything that might alienate their fan base. He notes that experienced actors frequently hesitate to explore roles or projects that are distinct from their previously celebrated work.

He emphasizes this pattern by pointing out that audiences did not respond favorably to Steve McQueen's performance in the stage adaptation of "An Enemy of the People." Despite his status as a prominent actor, viewers did not favor a project that deviated from his characteristic tough, action-packed persona. Burt Reynolds attempted to broaden his range of roles with films like Starting Over and Paternity, moving away from his usual fare of high-speed chase movies, but these films did not garner substantial commercial success. The depictions reveal that fame restricts actors due to the tendency of both the viewing public and film production companies to favor well-established and dependable character types, thereby hindering creative experimentation.

Celebrities significantly impact how film studios make their decisions.

Goldman highlights the significant financial benefits that modern actors enjoy, in stark contrast to previous times when they were tied to production companies through contractual obligations. Their substantial earnings from profit-sharing grant them exceptional autonomy and sway, enabling them to shape the choices made by movie production firms significantly. Studios often yield to the demands of well-known actors to secure a movie's commercial viability, even at the expense of artistic value and financial caution.

He offers insights into his approach by describing the development of "All Night Long," which was originally conceived with a focus on character development and a modest budget. Gene Hackman showcased his commitment to...

Adventures in the Screen Trade Summary Crafting a screenplay within the movie business is comparable to finding one's way through a maze, given its intricate and creative difficulties.

Goldman delves into the unique challenges faced by screenwriters, examining the creative and practical aspects of their contributions to the film industry. He underscores that while screenwriting can be financially rewarding, it may also become an endeavor that diminishes one's spirit if the pursuit is driven only by the desire for monetary rewards. He counsels new writers to preserve their creative integrity, grasp the essentials of storytelling, and seek validation outside the often judgmental realm of the film industry.

The Artistry of Crafting Screenplays

Goldman delves into the specific skills and techniques that contribute to successful screenwriting. He emphasizes the importance of narrative elements such as structure, pacing, and central motifs, recognizing their crucial function in crafting tales that resonate deeply with audiences. He also highlights the delicate balance between adhering to believable reality and fulfilling audience expectations, recognizing that successful films often operate within a heightened sense of reality unique to the cinematic medium.

The process of crafting a story relies heavily on the essential task of organizing the...

Adventures in the Screen Trade Summary The author recounts his personal experiences and interactions as he navigates the world of screenwriting in Hollywood.

Goldman offers an open and frequently amusing narrative of his journey through the film industry's landscape, highlighting the pleasures, challenges, and persistent fascination associated with cinema. He maps out his transition from crafting novels to developing screenplays, emphasizing the expertise he gained, the obstacles he encountered, and his partnerships with extraordinary people throughout the process.

Early Career and Lessons Learned

Goldman attributes his transition from writing novels to crafting screenplays to the significant influence of Cliff Robertson. He shares his experiences with the films Charly and Masquerade, highlighting the valuable lessons he learned about the multifaceted nature of the film business, the detailed demands of crafting a screenplay, and the stark realities of navigating an environment that values not only artistic merit but also financial imperatives, essential compromises, and a constant pursuit of commercial success.

Cliff Robertson began writing for the screen after his experiences with the films "Charly" and "Masquerade."

Cliff Robertson enlisted William Goldman to adapt Daniel Keyes's short story "Flowers for Algernon"...