THE SCREENWRITING BLOG OF THE BLACK LIST

"The difference between life and the movies…"

Posted on August 23, 2009 by admin

Brenna, one of many fantastic producers I work with at Distillery Pictures…
Just sent me this photo.

Anybody know the source of the quote?

Mike on August 23, 2009 at 5:23 PM said:

I believe the source of this quote is Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

Keep Writing!
Mike
Désirée on August 23, 2009 at 11:57 PM said:

Great line.

Another difference is that there is no magic words that will make a character step out as new.

I know, I've tried. I said the magic word, the guy looked at me with stunned surprise, he said "I'm sorry you feel that way" and then nothing more happened…
Timo on August 24, 2009 at 12:15 AM said:

Bogart says it in "The barefoot Contessa" (which is written by Mankiewicz)
Scott on August 24, 2009 at 4:31 AM said:

Thanks, Mike and Timo. I've seen The Barefoot Contessa – many years ago – and completely forgot that line.
scriptlarva on August 24, 2009 at 7:38 AM said:

The original quote is by Tom Clancy-
'The difference between life and fiction? Fiction has to make sense.'
anthuswilliams on August 24, 2009 at 2:23 PM said:

Mark Twain said something like that. "The difference between truth and fiction is that fiction must be believable."

I've since heard it stated by tons of different people, from Joe Mankiewicz and Tom Clancy to Truman Capote and Charles Ripley. But Mark Twain is the earliest originator that statement that I am aware of.