Popcorn (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Ben Elton |
| Products | Satirical novel |
Popcorn is a 1996 novel authored by British writer Ben Elton. It shares thematic elements with several mid-1990s films such as Natural Born Killers directed by Oliver Stone, along with Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs by Quentin Tarantino.
Plot summary
Primarily situated in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the narrative examines American social stratification by contrasting affluent individuals like Bruce Delamitri with less privileged characters Wayne and Scout.
Bruce Delamitri, an artist working within the film industry, faces accusations of glorifying violence through his cinematic works. Although many hold him responsible for inspiring actual violent acts, Bruce contends that violence is an inherent part of society and that media depictions do not directly provoke such conduct.
Wayne and Scout, known as the "Mall Murderers," take Bruce hostage to coerce a public admission that his films motivated their offenses, aiming to evade the death penalty. The hostage situation unfolds with Bruce’s family and a television crew present, escalating tensions as Wayne demands viewers cease watching the live broadcast to protect those held captive. When this demand is ignored, conflict ensues during a police rescue attempt.
Following these events, survivors avoid accountability by resorting to legal action, embracing religion, or engaging in media ventures that shift blame onto others. The story concludes with the statement "No one has taken responsibility," highlighting a societal inclination toward deflecting fault rather than acknowledging individual or collective culpability.
Characters
- Bruce Delamitri – central figure; a self-centered filmmaker notorious for controversial violent content.
- Wayne – a ruthless and immoral murderer.
- Scout – Wayne’s partner and confidante.
- Brooke Daniels – an unconventional model aspiring to act.
- Velvet Delamitri – Bruce’s estranged daughter.
- Farrah Delamitri – Bruce’s estranged spouse.
- Karl Brezner – Bruce’s talent agent.
Awards and nominations
This novel received the 1996 Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award.
Theatrical version
Ben Elton transformed the novel into a stage play that debuted at Nottingham Playhouse in 1996 before transferring to London's West End.