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David Mamet

post #1 of 7
5/30/11 at 8:29pm
Thread Starter 

So I guess I'm hot and cold on Mamet on film.

 

Obviously, there are the masterpieces. As as far as films he's directed, I think REDBELT might be his best. What's interesting is how his work (and apparently his personality) has shifted far right as of late. I wanted to know how this was reflected in his films and plays, though I haven't read his plays yet save for Sexual Perversity In Chicago, and even then, I don't remember a thing (shame on me!).

 

Anyway, favorite/least favorite Mamets*? Favorite Mamet lines? Has anyone seen The Winslow Boy?

 

*Least favorite - State And Main. Found it unfunny and far-fetched, though there were a few moments of dialogue and acting genius.

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post #2 of 7
5/30/11 at 9:22pm

I remember listening to a short interview with Mamet on NPR where he took a moment to call out the station for its left-leaning tendencies (in spite of his appreciation for NPR).  

 

Anyway, I actually haven't seen many Mamet films.  Glengary, obviously.  I've also listened to a radio play performance of it.  So that one sticks out most prominently to me.  I've read and seen Oleanna, but I don't really recall much about it.  I recall liking Redbelt very much, but I should really give it another viewing.

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post #3 of 7
5/31/11 at 2:51am

I need to see more Mamet, as it is I thoroughly enjoy Wag the dog, State and Main leaves me cold, and Spartan is insane (in a good way).

 

As an aspiring writer Spartan is fascinating, because it is proof that a film with a complicated plot can work and work well without any expository dialog at all.


Edited by Tim K - 5/31/11 at 3:04am
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post #4 of 7
5/31/11 at 3:32am

I'm a huge Mamet fan, though I haven't read any of his plays yet. The guy just knows how to make scenes crackle with dialog, which is such a rare feat. Favourite would probably be The Spanish Prisoner.

 

Favourite dialog moments are in Heist. As a movie it's not 100% but the talky bits kick ass... "My motherfucker is so cool, when he goes to bed, sheep count him", "That's why they call it money!" ... Love Ricky Jay's story about the guy with the bible.

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post #5 of 7
5/31/11 at 5:03am

Gabe T, My favorite work of Mamet is his tv series co-created by Shawn Ryan...The Unit!  It was a great show, but the one thing that kept it from being an all time classic was, the non action scenes with their families.  Without that, The Unit, would be right up there with...The A-Team, as the best action series on tv...Ever!

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post #6 of 7
6/14/11 at 7:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleeplesslumber View Post

I need to see more Mamet, as it is I thoroughly enjoy Wag the dog, State and Main leaves me cold, and Spartan is insane (in a good way).

 

As an aspiring writer Spartan is fascinating, because it is proof that a film with a complicated plot can work and work well without any expository dialog at all.


If you're willing to believe the gunny would buy that whole set-up...

 

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post #7 of 7
6/15/11 at 8:31am
Thread Starter 

So no one has seen The Winslow Boy?

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