The discovery of octo-cellulose on the Discworld triggers the birth of the "moving picture" industry in the desert dunes of Holy Wood. Victor Tugelbend, a professional student, joins forces with Theda Withel to become the world’s first movie stars, while Gaspode the Wonder Dog manages their careers. The magic required to project these images thins the barrier between dimensions, allowing eldritch creatures from the Dungeon Dimensions to attempt an invasion through the silver screen. Meanwhile, the Alchemists' Guild struggles to control the volatile new medium as the city of Ankh-Morpork falls under a collective cinematic trance.
Readers interested in the intersection of industrial satire and fantasy fiction choose this book to see the mechanics of early Hollywood transplanted into a magical setting. It appeals to those who enjoy deconstructions of celebrity culture and the technical tropes of silent cinema. The reader gains a parody of how mass media reshapes public consciousness and alters shared reality. By the end, the audience understands the specific dangers of nostalgia and the way fiction can consume the people who create it.
Escapist; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1990
- Language
- EN
