Ep. 14: DANIEL KEHLMANN

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling German-Austrian author Daniel Kehlmann speaks to host Elena Lappin about his latest novel, The Director, which explores the life and work of Austrian director G.W. Pabst during the Nazi regime. Kehlmann delves into the complexities of being a director, the moral implications of artistic choices under totalitarianism, and the challenges of using real historical figures in fiction. He reflects on his cultural identity, the influence of iconic actresses like Louise Brooks, and the importance of the author's voice in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the tragic story of Jakob, a character in his novel, and the dark side of human nature in literature.

THE DIRECTOR is published by riverrun, an imprint of Quercus (Hachette).

Daniel Kehlmann is also the author of MEASURING THE WORLD, TYLL, and other novels.

Keywords

Daniel Kehlmann, The Director, G.W. Pabst, historical fiction, totalitarianism, artistic compromise, cultural identity, novel writing, film direction, Louise Brooks,PG Woodehouse, Nazi regime, Hollywood, Austria. Germany

Takeaways

Daniel Kehlmann explores the complexities of being a director in film.

The role of a director is to create a collaborative illusion of reality.

Kehlmann's cultural background influences his writing and themes.

Novelists often draw from real historical figures to create compelling narratives.

The moral implications of artistic choices during totalitarian regimes are profound.

Everyday life under totalitarianism can lead to complicity in small ways.

Researching historical figures requires a balance of fact and creative interpretation.

Louise Brooks serves as a significant influence in Kelman's narrative.

The challenge of using real characters in fiction raises ethical questions.

Kelman emphasizes the importance of the author's voice in storytelling.

Sound bites

"I create a version of reality that I think is probable."

"I hope I would have done the right thing."

"I'm everywhere in my novel. I'm in the atmosphere."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniel Kelman and His Work

01:15 The Role of a Director in Film

03:52 Personal Geography and Cultural Identity

07:29 The Novelist's Approach to Themes

10:14 Resurrecting Historical Figures in Fiction

12:06 Exploring G.W. Pabst's Life and Choices

15:05 The Complicity of Everyday Life Under Totalitarianism

18:58 The Impact of Totalitarian Regimes on Artists

21:57 Researching Historical Characters

24:59 The Influence of Louise Brooks

29:01 The Dilemma of Using Real Characters

30:06 The Challenge of Fictionalizing History

32:02 Imagining Lost Films and Artistic Freedom

35:00 The Moral Complexity of Compromise

38:42 The Nature of Compromise in Art

41:59 The Role of Minor Characters

43:43 Finding the Author's Voice in Fiction

45:37 The Tragic Story of Jakob

50:21 The Artistic Process of a Director

54:47 The Author's Presence in the Narrative

59:37 Inserting Humor and Wit into Serious Themes

01:03:49 The Dark Side of Human Nature

01:07:19 The Author's Writing Process and Future Projects

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