Ep. 14: DANIEL KEHLMANN

SummaryIn 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.KeywordsDaniel 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. GermanyTakeawaysDaniel 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."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Daniel Kelman and His Work01:15 The Role of a Director in Film03:52 Personal Geography and Cultural Identity07:29 The Novelist's Approach to Themes10:14 Resurrecting Historical Figures in Fiction12:06 Exploring G.W. Pabst's Life and Choices15:05 The Complicity of Everyday Life Under Totalitarianism18:58 The Impact of Totalitarian Regimes on Artists21:57 Researching Historical Characters24:59 The Influence of Louise Brooks29:01 The Dilemma of Using Real Characters30:06 The Challenge of Fictionalizing History32:02 Imagining Lost Films and Artistic Freedom35:00 The Moral Complexity of Compromise38:42 The Nature of Compromise in Art41:59 The Role of Minor Characters43:43 Finding the Author's Voice in Fiction45:37 The Tragic Story of Jakob50:21 The Artistic Process of a Director54:47 The Author's Presence in the Narrative59:37 Inserting Humor and Wit into Serious Themes01:03:49 The Dark Side of Human Nature01:07:19 The Author's Writing Process and Future ProjectsSHOP TALK WITH WRITERS is a unique conversation with each author, about the stories behind their books.Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.