Person
Every book Matthew Weiner recommended on podcasts
Matthew Weiner appeared on The Book Review podcast in July 2024 to discuss the intricate narrative architecture of television storytelling, drawing extensively on his experience as the creator of the acclaimed series 'Mad Men.' As evident from the interview, Weiner approaches literature and narrative structure with a creator's analytical eye, deeply interested in how plots are sequenced, withheld, and resolved. During the discussion, Weiner referenced Ian Fleming's James Bond novel 'You Only Live Twice,' explaining how the thematic and structural closure of that specific book informed the conclusion of a particular season arc for the characters Don and Megan Draper, mirroring a decisive end to a marital relationship and a solitary retreat into a bar. Additionally, Weiner utilized classic fairy tales, specifically the Brothers Grimm story 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' alongside the familiar Walt Disney Company and Random House adaptations, as a conceptual analogy. He broke down the traditional narrative progression of the poisoned apple and the glass coffin to illustrate broader points about how narrative chronology can be rearranged without ruining the underlying impact of a story. Through these literary and cinematic examples, Weiner revealed a deep appreciation for classic storytelling mechanics, mythic resonance, and the deliberate pacing required to craft unforgettable dramatic experiences for audiences.
Books recommended by Matthew Weiner
-
Snow White
Snow White by Gebrüder Grimm is a classic fairy tale about a beautiful princess, a wicked stepmother, and a poisoned apple.
Discussed“I could tell you the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and start with her in the glass coffin with the prince coming up and just tell you she got poisoned the witch was after blah blah blah so now the guy's coming he's going to kiss her and and she's going to wake up”
Where to get it
-
Walt Disney's Snow White and the seven dwarfs
Discussed“I could tell you the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and start with her in the glass coffin with the prince coming up and just tell you she got poisoned the witch was after blah blah blah so now the guy's coming he's going to kiss her and and she's going to wake up”
Where to get it
-
You Only Live Twice
Discussed“we came back after that with season five Don and Megan's relationship it ends with With You Only Live Twice with him really calling his marriage quits on some level and and going in a bar for are you alone”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Weiner On the End of ‘Mad Men’ | The Book Review | 2024-07-18 | 3 |