Moving Pictures

Pratchett + Planer = Perfection!

I grew up with a copy of this audiobook on cassette and it is a story that I have returned to time and again. Pratchett's Discworld novels are excellently written narratives for anyone who enjoys satirical fantasy, and the stories are always blended with a fascinating commentary on a few non-fictional themes. In this book Pratchett presents an interesting take on the issues of fame, hollywood, cinema advertising, and the disconnection from reality that people can experience when watching movies.

The storyline is enthralling, greatly assisted by Nigel Planer's narration. Planer has a wonderfully amiable style when it comes to voicing characters; each denizen of this book is amazingly well articulated. So much so in fact that many listeners may find themselves empathising with them like old friends before the end. Perhaps as a result of this, Planer also brings out the humour in the book very effectively. Even if you don't quite laugh out loud, you'll likely find yourself grinning at Pratchett's well crafted satire.

I highly recommend any of Pratchett's audiobooks, especially those voiced by Planer. Moving Pictures is a shining example of the perfect escapism you can find when the work of a brilliant author is brought to life by a master narrator. I'm sure I'll be coming back to listen to this one again.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

great

very good book but not as good as some of his others. i would recommend reaper man or gaurds gaurds as his best

Wonderful

Terry Pratchett does it again, another fantastical adventure in the Discworld. Nigel planer is an excellent narrator, he brings the characters to life.

Simply superb

Nigel Planer has a unique way of bringing Terry Pratchett's characters to life and understands to transfer the author's wittiness to this medium.

All diversions, not much story

Terry Pratchett appears to have got a little obsessed with his panoply of characters when he wrote Moving Pictures. The book brims to overflowing with lots of little stories, but the core story feels short changed and shallow. It was so shallow that I can't even remember seeing it.

A superb book. Easily one of Pratchetts best.

What did you like best about this story?

All the ways Pratchett dreams up of poking fun at the movie/entertainment industry.

Have you listened to any of Nigel Planer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Planer is very solid as usual. He does not quite reach the same level as Stephen Briggs but is still a top notch reader.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It's too long for that. Perhaps if I was trapped on a strange desolate island where I had no need of doing anything to sustain myself...

Any additional comments?

For newcomers to Pratchetts Discworld series this is a very good jumping on point.
Many new characters are introduced to the series in this book and there is no real need to know anything about the existing ones that turn up from earlier stories.