Hollywood is currently revisiting Roald Dahl's books in order to adapt his stories. The Witches has already been released on HBO Max. News has been announced on a musical film adaptation of Matilda. So it is fitting to get a film that is based on the author's life and the film "To Olivia" is the perfect film to watch. This film focuses on his tumultuous marriage with his wife Patricia Neal, an Oscar-winning actress along with the dreadful death of his seven years old daughter, Olivia. The film "To Olivia" is based on Stephen Michael Shearer's biography book titled An Unquiet Life.
Interview questions
First off, I love the opening of the film. It was brilliant! Who came up with that idea?
Have you read any of Roahl Dahl’s books and if so, which one is your favorite?
Three words to describe the movie To Olivia?
There were some intense moments in the film, especially with the scenes that had Roahl Dahl dealing with the death of his daughter. Did you or John Hay used personal experiences to write these scenes or was the source material strong enough to flesh out those scenes?
When you wrote those scenes that Roahl Dahl was dealing with depression. Were there any point of writing those scenes that you were afraid that the viewers might dislike him, especially the way his mood was affecting his family?
What is your writing habit in general?
How was your experience co-writing To Olivia with John Hay?
Were you ever on set for the making of the movie? Tell me what scene you were present at? Were you able to meet any of the cast members?
What is the best advice you have ever received about writing?
Who inspired you to be a screenwriter?
What were the challenges that you faced adapting Stephen Shearer’s book “An Unquiet Life”?
Were there anything from the book would you had liked to see added to the film adaptation?
This film is Geoffrey Palmer’s last movie before his death in November 2020. Did you meet him in person?
Last question, if you were to ever have dinner chat with Roahl Dahl and Patricia Neal, what would you ask each of them?