THE DEVIL IN SILVER: interview with author Victor LaValle
Summary
Victor LaValle joins the podcast to discuss his AMC series *The Devil in Silver*, which he co-showran with Chris Cantwell. They explore the adaptation process, comparing the show’s themes to *Jaws* and highlighting its critique of the American healthcare system. LaValle shares personal inspirations regarding psychiatric institutions and details production choices, including filming in a former prison and altering the book’s ending for television.
Topics discussed
Introduction and Victor LaValle's move to Tallahassee
Book recommendations: The Gone World and Desert Radio
Adapting The Devil in Silver and the Jaws comparison
The Terror anthology series and isolated environments
Adapting his own book: Book vs. Show dynamics
Casting process and shooting in New York City
Writing in Dunkin' Donuts and Washington Heights life
Filming at Arthur Kill Correctional Facility
Systemic evil and the nature of the monster
Editing pacing and the six-episode structure
Personal inspiration: Family member in a hospital
Empathy, social work, and the staff as prisoners
Spoiler discussion: The ending and Pepper's sacrifice
Spoiler discussion: Coffee's death and real-world parallels
Battle Black Tom and future TV projects
Pulitzer Prize finalists and recent reads
Comic book work and Defenders throwback story
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