Adventures in the Screen Trade

Detailed Summary of the Book

'Adventures in the Screen Trade' opens the doors to the Hollywood film industry, a place oftentimes shrouded in glamour and mystery. Goldman, armed with his extensive experience, breaks down the filmmaking process, emphasizing the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of screenwriting. The book is divided into two parts: the first offers anecdotes and insights from Goldman's career, featuring stories from beloved films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men". The second part functions as a manual, where Goldman dissects the craft of screenwriting, providing practical advice and illustrating his points with a screenplay he wrote specifically for the book.

This comprehensive narrative journey provides readers with an understanding of not only the technical aspects of screenwriting but also the complex relationships and power dynamics within the film industry. Goldman’s accounts emphasize the unpredictable journey scripts undergo from ideation to screen, often subjected to the whims of actors, directors, and producers.

Key Takeaways

• Truth of the Industry: Goldman elucidates the volatile nature of the film business, where success is never guaranteed, and artistic integrity often clashes with commercial viability.
• Screenwriting Insights: The book offers actionable insights into crafting compelling narratives and characters, emphasizing storytelling fundamentals and the importance of an engaging plot.
• Dealing with Failure: Goldman's personal anecdotes highlight the essential nature of resilience in the face of failure, a frequent companion in Hollywood’s tough climate.
• "Nobody Knows Anything": A recurring theme, Goldman stresses the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, reinforcing that even seasoned industry veterans can't always predict a film's success or failure.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Nobody knows anything... Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what’s going to work. Every time out it’s a guess–and, if you’re lucky, an educated one."

"The easiest thing to do, on any movie, is throw the script out."

"Studio executives love to act as though they came up the hard way; they did not. They came up the easy way."

Why This Book Matters

'Adventures in the Screen Trade' remains a timeless classic in the realm of entertainment literature. Its value lies not only in Goldman's rich storytelling and candidness but also in its ability to educate and inform aspiring writers and cinephiles about the intricacies of the filmmaking process. While it's a treasure trove of practical advice for those interested in screenwriting, it equally appeals to anyone fascinated by the narrative and production aspects of movies. The book stands as a critical resource for understanding the complexities of creativity and commerce that define Hollywood.

Furthermore, Goldman's insights continue to resonate, not only as a cautionary tale of the unpredictability of show business but also as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and passion in pursuing creative endeavors. In showcasing both the glamour and the grit of Hollywood, 'Adventures in the Screen Trade' provides valuable lessons that extend beyond the screen, offering a profound understanding of the storytelling craft.