To see the dream

"A film ought not to be the 'picture of' a novel, a visual record of events related in a printed narrative. I would far rather have a good movie which bore very little relation to the book than a poor movie which faithfully photographed the book. A movie is a thing in itself; it should be good in itself, not as a mirror for another form." That's just one of the many gems included in this insightful account, from conception through execution, of how Jessamyn West's novel The Friendly Persuasion became a film. The book takes the form of journal entries that follow the author's life, as she lived it during this time. Unlike many other novelists whose works have become movies, West wasn't much interested in overseeing her own book's filming. She especially wasn't interested in writing the script, because she was immersed in a new manuscript; and because she wisely understood that a novelist and a script writer practice different arts. But in order to help the great director William Wyler capture her characters, and tell their story in a way appropriate for the screen, she found herself learning how to write a script anyway - and she also found herself venturing into the life of a world called Hollywood. Writers and non-writers alike will enjoy West's anecdotes featuring Wyler, actor Gary Cooper, and others. But it's her fellow writers who will read this book with smiles and nods, as West captures over and over feelings that everyone who knows the Muse must recognize. This is a remarkable piece of work. Highly recommended!