Subject
Motion pictures -- Production and direction -- Fiction Books
Best books
Philip José Farmer
Heel
"Heel" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story presents a unique reimagining of the Iliad, blending mythological elements with a futuristic narrative about gods, directors, and a production crew. It explores themes of power dynamics, love, and the manipulation of fate, revolving around the characters from the Trojan War with a modern twist. In "Heel," the narrative unfolds aboard a spaceship where a director, likened to Zeus, orchestrates the great events of the ancient war for the entertainment of a cosmic audience. Achilles and other mythic figures are caught in the machinations of these beings who manipulate their fates for dramatic effect. Thetis, Achilles’ mother, tries to protect her son from the director's plans while her love for him complicates matters. As the story progresses, alliances shift, and the manipulation culminates in tragedy as Achilles faces his fate—betrayed by those who wield ultimate control over the script of their lives. The novella ultimately serves as a satire of storytelling itself, questioning the nature of heroism and the sacrifices made for glory.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
When Oscar Went Wild
"When Oscar Went Wild" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous short story written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows two cowboys, Ren Merton and Sig Watson, who find themselves unexpectedly involved in a series of events surrounding a tame cougar named Oscar that escapes during a film shoot. The story captures their comedic attempts to capture Oscar while navigating the chaos that ensues. The plot unfolds when Ren and Sig stumble upon a woman tied to a tree, who turns out to be part of a film crew looking for Oscar. After a series of humorous interactions and misadventures, they attempt to catch the elusive cougar, leading to a comical blend of chaos and camaraderie as they deal with both the wild animal and the quirky characters involved in the film project. The story not only reveals the harrowing yet funny efforts of the cowboys but also ultimately showcases the unpredictability of both wild creatures and human situations, culminating in a lighthearted conclusion that leaves the fate of Oscar and the cowboys’ antics open to interpretation.
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