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SmartLessJanuary 16, 2023
Steven Spielberg
About This Episode
Let’s all go to the movies… with Steven Spielberg. We fall in love with Doctor Zhivago, indulge in some tainted lamb, and build a lucky sand castle. In the words of Steven Spielberg, “I have to tell the story; it’s in my marrow.” Please support us by supporting our sponsors!
Book Mentions
2 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.
Books Mentioned
Empire of the Sun
J.G. Ballard
“The script was based on the J.G. Ballard book, and Tom Stoppard created a dream world for the character Jim.”
Sentiment: Deep Dive
Trigger: Empire of the Sun film
For: Film enthusiasts and students of adaptation
Key quote: “Tom just created a kind of dream world for, for Jim, played by Christian Bale and he's been hugged by Dr. Rawlings because he's sort of gone, you know, he's, he's become hysterical, let's say, on the roof and Dr. Rawlings is trying to calm him down.”
The host discusses a specific shot from the film 'Empire of the Sun' and its significance in creating a dreamlike state for the character Jim. This mention highlights the creative decisions made by Tom Stoppard in adapting J.G. Ballard's book into a cinematic experience.
ASIN: B00IIB6TBM
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
“The speaker discusses the inspiration and urgency to make the movie 'Schindler's List' after reading an extraordinary draft by Steve Zalian.”
Sentiment: Passing Reference
Trigger: impact of divorce
For: filmmakers and storytellers
Key quote: “even in Schindler's List, there was, like, one line that was just a little comical from, I think, Ben Kingsley or somebody.”
The host mentioned 'Schindler's List' in the context of discussing how humor can be interwoven into serious narratives. They reflected on the delicate balance of maintaining the gravity of a scene while introducing levity, as seen in the film.
ASIN: B07JQ9RSB5
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.