The Writer Speaks: William Goldman

Two time Academy Award winning screenwriter William Goldman talks about his career and his life. Filmed on May 27, 2010. Interviewed by Michael WInship for the WGF.
#WilliamGoldman #screenwriter #screenwriting

[@larkmacallan4257]

absolutely essential for all writers out there. you're lucky to live in an age where this is at your fingertips.

[@Lark572]

First step in being a screenwriter is watching this video. This is coming from a screenwriter. Be thankful as hell that you get this much wisdom for free.

[@krishnamurtiism]

This was an enjoyment. After listening to Goldman all I want to do is continue writing.

[@michaelmcdonagh2646]

I went up to NYC back in November 2009, along with several copies of my second screenplay-also with me, I carried addresses of at least ten agencies. Anyway, the last screenplay I had left in my backpack was assigned for a Mr. Willam Goldman. It was late in the day, so I mailed my last copy to an address on 5th avenue. A week later, I’m back in Virginia and I’m driving home when my cell phone goes off. I picked it up and I hear: “Did you send me a screenplay?” Long story...the individual asking me the question was William Goldman. He was very nice but he told me because of legal issues and lawyers etc etc etc that he wouldn’t be able to read my work. Again, he was very kind and respectful and at the end of our very brief conversation - he wished me luck. It was his home phone number- I saved the number for a time but I decided to delete it- I guess out of respect. I always wondered-because he never sent it back to me - if he decided one rainy day to end up reading it. 🤔 But that’s my three minutes with the greatest screenwriter of all time. R.I.P., Sir!

[@advancedraymondology2914]

Great story, Michael. Paul is wrong. I've heard the legal thing before. It's the same with songwriters, my uncle told me. He was living in Nashville, tried giving a demo to some known people, who said they couldn't accept unsolicited demos because people could then turn around and claim plagiarism if they ever penned something similar. I'm sure there are cases of writers and musicians saying fuck it and reading/listening anyway, but the legal-thing is a thing. And Paul, dude, can you imagine how many people have sent him stuff? "The least he could have done..." You kidding me, dude? Are you trying to be a writer? Man, are you ever gonna be pissed. Nobody helps unknown writers. William Goldman didn't HAVE to do anything. What he did do was cool as fuck, if you ask me. I tried writing another, more successful writer before. We're both Filipino-American, both interested in the way Asian males are portrayed as non-sexual in American books and films. I figured, hey, this guy will be DYING to help me, the kind of stuff I write. Haha.. He. Couldn't. Have. Cared. Less. I'm embarrassed about it now, but I was very annoyed at the time. I waited a couple months and sent another "hey, did you get the first letter" letter and, when he didn't respond to that one either, I wrote a third one, calling him a fraud who didn't care at all about about how Asian men are portrayed, just so long as he got to be the person talking about it. Guess what? THAT one he answered, haha, basically telling me that wasn't the way to win friends in this business. I apologized for my tone, but said I didn't need or want his help, I'd make it on my own. The really funny part is he wasn't even offering his help, just chastising me for chastising him, haha. Anyway, I've managed to get some stories and poems published. It's uphill being a politically incorrect writer, even for a minority. They only want the "proper" attitudes from minorities. If you're critical of feminism or show any anti-sjw leanings, you can literally almost hear the wall going up, haha. But I'm getting there, slowly, on my own terms, with zero help from whatshisface. At least Michael has a cool story. Mine's just embarrassing.

[@scarlet8078]

I'm a corporate lawyer in NYC and yes, what he told you is true. It is nice that he called to explain it to you. Most studios and production companies follow legal advice and return the mail to the sender unopened.

[@kellysleep4633]

Paul Mina Stor

[@joedellaselva1251]

8:39 Explains why he took the time to speak with you. As well as 1:31:47

[@therealGP]

@@advancedraymondology2914 based on this reply I'd be interested in reading your writing. I mean, I aint "anybody" in the biz who could advance your career or anything. Just saying... I'd bet your shit's cool !!

[@SuperMedusa85]

So pleased I came across this! I am 32 this year and when Bill said he didn't start until he was 33, that gave me so much hope!!

[@kennethbrady]

And one of America's greatest writers, Henry Miller, didn't really find his voice until his late 30's, early 40's. So...it's never ever too late.

[@anthonyryan9954]

@@kennethbrady and Walter Mosley first book at 34

[@Lark572]

I got my big break at 41. Bukowski got his around 50. Who cares? Go to work! :)

[@Flyest90]

I just turned 31 this gave me hope as well 😂

[@achristianson4059]

why? lol why does it take someone else's milestone to validate your timing. If he said 15 would you think it was too late, and if he said 60 would you feel different. I dont understand why people let other peoples stuff have an impact on who or what

[@Mooza1]

This interview is from 2010 and I can't believe how right he was especially now in 2023. What a genius

[@damianbegley]

William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade is the best book I've ever read about screenwriting. And it's not even about screenwriting.

[@goldbrick2563]

Whats it about?

[@josephgrimes3886]

nobody knows. anything@@goldbrick2563

[@RakeshKumar-yc8kg]

More of a memoir.

[@damianbegley]

@@RakeshKumar-yc8kg Yes! But if you read between the lines, it's as much about screenwriting. That's what I got out of it. Excellent writer: novels, screenplays, essays, etc.

[@Terrificguyonline]

I could listen to this Gentleman all evening.

[@anguspritchard6407]

“My father was in the clothing business and my mother was his wife.”

[@andyw9255]

Some great writers are diligent editors, and some great writers are born raconteurs. I don't know what his editing skills were like, but the way he rattles off his history in this video suggests his first drafts were good enough to publish. What a beautiful, eloquent mind.

[@ShunyamNiketana]

It makes me wonder why he failed so often as a writing student.

[@citizen1163]

@@ShunyamNiketana Says much about WG that he persevered where many would've given up. I also think many students are let down by so called educators.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

"Write something you care about" yes ...very wise 🧠🙏

[@MrJimmy1953]

Brilliant writer and human being. Thank you Mr Goldman for your films.

[@fellowcitizen]

4:46 "When I first heard of film schools: I thought it was the stupidest fxxken idea I'd ever heard of."

[@yveslavandier7475]

Then he says : "I took a writing course". And later : "I became a teacher". Maybe learning the writer's craft is not such a bad idea.

[@gothxm]

@@yveslavandier7475 dont think that's what he was getting at and also those events are out of order. The film schools proliferating was probably way after his education. But he also said that movies were not important in his younger years. There's a lot of gold here but there's also a limit to his knowledge. An almost jaded refusal to continue on with the hollywood of today. Still a great source of information. He knows his stuff well and understands hollywood.

[@brittmichaelian]

I love this guy. Total straight shooter. Great vocabulary. Awesome interview!

[@rayballinger1848]

I wish he lived next door to me. Thank's to everybody involved in this production, especially Mr. Goldman.

[@angusorvid8840]

I write novels and occasionally for screen, and Goldman is spot on about everything. I recommend reading everything you can find by him, from Adventures in the Screen Trade to Magic. Brilliant writer. Like Elmore Leonard, he knew where his strengths lay and focused upon them like a laser. Had a phenomenal career.

[@jamesblumenthal9799]

Cliche, but you took the words out of my mouth. Well said.

[@-elchoya9832]

loved his his sreenwriting in HARPER 1966

[@richardhrpenn194]

This man's candidness is so refreshing. His critique of himself and others is very enlightening and informational. There are many good little tips in this interview for any writer.

[@stuartfitzsimons2786]

Great interview with a humble and wildly successful writer. Thank you!

[@sdkelmaruecan2907]

I love his comment on Robert McKee, I've noticed that many screenwriting 'gurus', as talented and skillful as they are, never wrote something succesful. Not that it diminishes their quality as experts in writing, but it does undermine a little bit of credibility when they give advice. However, I would listen any day to William Goldeman, Robert Towne, Charlie Kaufman or Billy Wilder because I know these guys achieved something on the field of practice (sorry for the understatement) and yes, they know what they're talking about.

[@carolynkingsley4421]

He's inspiring to listen to. Thanks for doing this.

[@willemverheij3412]

Great interview, I like how he is not beating around the bush and really saying it like it is. He has had great successes but seems quite down to earth which is refreshing.

[@lokeydaniel]

THis fellows writers commentary on THE PRINCESS BRIDE is the best film commentary I have ever listened to.

[@laurentvachaud4438]

He was so great. I was lucky to meet him once when I was younger. I'll never forget it.

[@deborist]

I will never, ever forget "Boys and Girls Together". I am going to the Camarillo library today and check the book out and re read it, certainly my perspective has changed since 1964! I love you WIlliam!

[@jansmiths8629]

where have all the gr8 writers gone... goldman had some terrific/awesome scripts. live well and long...

[@hankerino]

Love this mans candor and experience. respect RIP

[@headfella]

For those individuals wanting more detail, I highly recommend Mr. Goldman's book "Adventures in the Screen Trade". Your local library shud have a copy. It's somewhat dated (1983), but still an engrossing read. I highly recommend it for anyone who is remotely interested in the way Hollywood makes movies. Chris in Winnipeg Canada.

[@susanschaffner4422]

Fabulous interview, Goldman the quintessential screenwriter and good guy.

[@TagCavello]

Thank you for posting this. I watch it all the time.

[@leighgate2]

William Goldman. Know his work but never heard him speak or remember ever seeing him before. Like his no BS personality. Great interview. Was hoping he would talk more about Olivier and MARATHON MAN. Didn't know Olivier had been so sick before he played the evil Nazi. Hoffman is really good in the movie but Olivier is brilliant.

[@RayFromLUCKYSHADOW]

This was great. I'm sure I'll watch it again and again.

[@TomRipley7350]

You always know where you stand with guys like WG. He doesn't talk bullshit and doesn't care to hear it. Great respect for the guy.

[@NuclearSiege]

1:02:40 "Maybe 8 people on earth know I had a shitty experience on that movie because I wrote about it in a book." LOL what a badass. Humble.

[@ThePAkidd]

This video ran for an hour and a half and I hated to see it end. Goldman is just flat out interesting as hell. And funny as hell too (his use of profanity is a work of art in itself). You get the feeling there's not one ounce of bullshit in anything he says because it would be below him to embellish a story. I think its mentioned that the interview was done in 2010. That would have made him 79 years old. If I live to be 79 I hope I'm half as sharp as he is at that age.

[@jacknapyer]

one of my favorite interviews of all time.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Ed O'Neill's great Emmytvlegend interview was top notch too. Very compelling, fun and insightful to watch.

[@donbrennan4993]

What a fascinating interview.

[@pigletsmom]

Wow, this is interview is so honest. He does not pull any punches. He's the real deal. Thanks for posting this candid interview of a great man and writer. Nice to see someone in Hollywood not be affected, or create a false persona for themselves.

[@thecanberean]

Absolute Legend. Thanks heaps for this. I could listen to him all day and night. Simply sublime. Cheers.

[@stevebarber8501]

What a great interview. The interviewer isn't shown and he let's the guy talk. The way I like it. Focus on the person being interviewed and stay out of the way.

[@RogueRetail]

Very inspirational! No ego, just talking about what he does, and how he came to be. With a all the advice he can squeeze in as well.

[@mphlohi]

You were a marvelous talent William Goldman, will always appreciate your work, enjoy heaven.

[@Raul61233]

So many thanks for uploading this interview, I have greatly admired Goldman for many years and I finally, fully understand why.

[@mattschuster3754]

What an extraordinary man and interview! I could not stop and had to rerun several times to soak it all in... Thank you!

[@kpm3983]

one of the best conversations

[@jacquelinestigman3273]

I love how Mr. Goldman speaks. So calm. A great story teller. Stupid courage! Yes, wonderful and moving. I happened upon this video by chance. So helpful and interesting.

[@vplezz]

Just incredible humility!!!

[@CaminoAir]

Could give encouragement to any writer who thinks they're unsuccessful and going to remain the same. A lot of writers who went on to become very famous were initially rejected (Alistair MacLean for another example). I've read anything written by Goldman that I could find and he's probably my single favourite writer. Very smart and a lot of common sense.

[@steveseguin5249]

His response to his feeling about film schools when they first came around is priceless

[@winomaster]

I really admire Mr. Goldman, so I studied him some and came up with the following. We might quibble on which of his films were essential successes, because I went thru them quickly. But this is what I came up with: 1) In the 1960’s, ignoring his first film where he came in as a script doctor, He produced two scripts. one was an adaption, one an original, both hits. One was Butch Cassidy. 2) 6 films produced during the 70’s but 5 were essentially successes. 3) Only 2 films produced during the 80’s when his children were young. But one was a major success: Princess Bride 4) Most films (9) produced during the 90’s, but only 2 were successful Comments: 1) During the 60's and 70's he was producing a very high average quality. Hits to duds. 2) It seems that he decided to reduce his workload during the 80's so he could enjoy his kids. He had the money to do what he wanted. I think that was a great thing to do. It's a shame we all can't do that sort of thing. 3) He returned to work in the 90's and numbers wise he had his most productive decade. (Nine films produced but only two were successful. So it appears he had lost his passion for the work. He was 59 at the start of the decade and he had all the money he would ever need. It was natural that he would be slowing down some in the quality of his work. He probably couldn't hit the gas as before, but he seems to have been in demand, based on his reputation. Clearly though, he still wanted to work.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

"Everything begins with the script" 👍

[@iFreeThink]

I love watching those videos. It's what we feel everyday.

[@valentinebonnaire9877]

It's very refreshing to listen to you, Mr. Goldman. Thank you.

[@valentinebonnaire9877]

Poet, I'm going to make Midnight Suede available for you? I Have a few tales I think you might like... in a little collection maybe. Soon.

[@embee3178]

what a fantastic interview, just totally engrossing, as with his books

[@mctonedef]

What an amazing talent, and so full of humility. You are a legend, Mr. Goldman. Thank you for your influence on my life. You're an inspiration.

[@MrTamendez]

This dude is awesome. Has me rolling. My kinda guy.

[@1952andysimpson]

Well I read 'Adventures in the Screen Trade' when it first came out and really enjoyed it. He seemed to have the ability to bring a script alive - particularly in the case of 'Butch and Sundance'. He appears to be a master of simple one liners, for instance: 'When were done, if I'm dead, kill him!' 'Love to' etc. A brilliant reversal - and would anyone have actually said that in those days? I've had two books published but they don't approach the simplicity and directness that Goldman has produced.

[@SamuelDaram]

This extended interview with the great William Goldman is a wonderful treat. Thank you so much to the 'WGFoundation' for this which is a semester's worth of wisdom at a screenwriting course.

[@tabletalk33]

Wonderful interview, very valuable anecdotes and memories for aspiring writers. I may even have to watch this again for details I missed or for things I didn't get. Thank you, William Goldman!

[@whatinthewerld]

this guy has now been added as the answer (for me) to that question "who is the person you would most like to have lunch with?", this guy is probably the most interesting person I have listened to in years!! thank you for posting this

[@PHASES_OFFICIAL]

What an amazing life story he has, such an inspiration.

[@craigclyde5757]

What a great interview! Never thought I'd get to hear it.

[@andyok3625]

Fantastic interview with an excellent writer. This was the first one in the series I picked out. Now for the Billy Wilder.

[@tomjones2348]

I just stumbled onto this interview. Wow....what a wealth of interesting information. Excellent interviewer too.

[@roryarthairyfart1459]

His books about Hollywood are awesome so far I read adventures in the screen trade and which lie did I tell

[@annelower]

Beautiful, candid portrait. Thank you.

[@thepakidd5647]

R.I.P. Bill. You were one of a kind. Now reunited with Newman. Adios.

[@advancedraymondology2914]

He died? Shit. I've been watching this at least a couple times a year for years. Had no idea he died recently. I knew he was very old. Goodbye, Bill. I wish you'd written more actual novels. The Princess Bride is so, so, soooo much better than the movie. Books usually are, but in this case there's a cavern in terms of quality between them if you ask me. The movie was a cute little film, kind of overrated, but the book was a masterpiece. Fuck it: the movie sucks, Reiner sucks, read the book.

[@christopherphillips3733]

Great interview...

[@taylorMFilms]

Goldman. right to the gut inside of minutes. This is an authentic artist and honest man. Gold. Man.

[@MARVINsEYES]

I do really love him for his screenplay. Sometimes one's work is untimely judged by inappropriate person under a wrong time. This apply to average or well- written works ! He's a mirror for all anyway!

[@melodylbeattie]

Great storyteller -- in his work and this interview.

[@bluecollarlit]

Melody Beattie, I think I have a book you wrote - if you're the same person.

[@martinmcglone8456]

very enjoyable and informative, thanks for posting

[@mrshoppyhat]

Love William Goldman!

[@sprafa]

Brilliant interview! Please do more of these.

[@teeniebeenie8774]

thank u for these interviews fascinating

[@ThomasJRyan-ct3dv]

Great interview, this is what I love about writers!

[@winomaster]

+Thomas J. Ryan Directors are also very good interview subjects. They have to be smart like writers, but oftentimes they are very worldly too.

[@F3ND1MUS]

You spark so much joy in my life.

[@scotty]

KZbin is the distribution, educational, DIY equipment ideas and inspiration, showcase platform that frees the artist from the know nothing studios, scamming contracts, judgmental jerks and money hungry ripoff artists. At no time in history has such a thing been given to the average person with affordable technology and equipment, tutorials and a means of sharing with virtually anyone on the planet.

[@zacbonti2194]

for real

[@VictoriaWonders]

yo

[@9avedon]

@Anjani Hey hands off Capitalism, did you not realize youtube is Owned by big brother ,the people who print money ? They lost control of the narrative and NOW they are demonetizing all content creators, shadow banning wrong think. It is not Hate, you should be worried about. Approved speech is the work of the devil.

[@quillber]

@@9avedon fuck outta here go get some therapy and stop annoying everyone

[@bluecollarlit]

handsome dog picture, there

[@adrianlackey5107]

This man essentially invented the "Spec Script". A well deserved Oscar with *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* ("Rules??! In a knife fight??!") George Roy Hill should have directed more of his scripts.

[@whatisrealknowtheformula6137]

Thank you so much for posting this.

[@kendallrivers1119]

What's amazing is this man has made multiple classic and iconic films and won awards just for his scripts alone and yet... He seems no different than a neighbor or guy you run into at a bar. Very no bullshit, down to earth dude. Like Stephen Cannell.

[@daveco1270]

Goldman is the best. Those opening pages of Butch Cassidy are so good. I love that he says f-ck a lot... and that he'd rather be dead than be a director. I feel the same way, directing seems really hard and stressful.

[@whogoderetedigo52]

A big thank you for this upload. Love his writing and his screen work.

[@t.martin1841]

Before I wrote this I read previous comments. I couldn't agree more. I have nothing else to add!

[@curtjester1]

I hardly ever go to movies, but I am waiting for The Temple of Gold, and Boys and Girls Together to come on screen. I would watch that 5 times!

[@Jeremysepicreads]

The princess Bride is by far William Goldman's best work

[@Lylodile]

He agrees with you :P

[@filmfelineadmin]

Jeremysepicreads :D I still don't believe in ROUS!

[@howardkoor9365]

Good interview. Thank you 🙏

[@grahambuckenham1597]

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Marathon Man - two fantastic character driven plots - as he says , minimum special effects , just pure story, wonderful characters & so powerfully told : Raindrops keep falling on those movies forever :) - Hearing this clip makes me realise how much of the man was in the scripts.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

I just read Magic and Marathon Man. Currently reading Control and Tinsel. Can’t get enough of WG.

[@gusisagreatname]

"It was a very fucked-up childhood." "And yet, there was something in that childhood that blah blah blah blah...."

[@Enkarashaddam]

this guy don't give two f*cks .... i love it

[@winomaster]

In this interview it is easy to understand why screenwriting is such an uncommon talent. We see in mister Goldman that he is no ordinary man. I have to imagine the greats of screenwriting are all possessing these uncommon minds. This is why great teachers like Robert KcKee can be great at what they do and yet not be able to produce a great script themselves as William Goldman has done many times.

[@jacknapyer]

i love that cursing sounds so natural to this guy. he says "fuck" like it's part of his grocery list.

[@wrmty56413]

He punctuates his speech with exactly the right amount of f-bombs, in exactly the right places. Too much cursing can be jarring

[@stevesandford8993]

Mr Goldman's personality seems ABSENT of any ego, SO UNUSUAL in that arena... In this interview, he says he WOULD HAVE LOVED to be a teacher/professor... (He is!) No wonder we can hear his real fondness and respect for Newman, since both are normal men with ABNORMAL charisma, empathy and singular talent. I'm not fawning, (Loved Waldo Pepper, didn't feel Princess Bride...) but I would LISTEN to this gentleman talk for hours about his process. And YES a teacher to so honestly speak as he does. xx SF

[@donhicks5370]

Interesting story teller , and great interviewer simple direct questions and lets him tell his story .

[@January.]

*storyteller

[@slateriverpress]

A wonderful interview. I just wish the others in this series had as much traffic.

[@SpritzMcSoda]

The GOAT screenwriter, period. I had no idea about his fucked up childhood. It makes sense that his characters are so endearing and optimistic coming from someone that knows about trauma.

[@cygil1]

Robert Redford would be nothing without Goldman's lines. Every cool thing Tom Cruise does a screenwriter dreamed up for him. Goldman is my favorite Hollywood superstar.

[@apocalypseplough8089]

This was fascinating to listen to.

[@Micksowagger]

This solidifies William Goldman is a baller.

[@mikeballard8404]

I like this guy, I like his reminisces.