Daniel Robert Epstein: David Mamet

DANIEL ROBERT EPSTEIN: David Mamet

David Mamet is one of the greatest writers who ever lived. He’s had success in every medium he’s worked in from theater to film and in the past year in television with The Unit, which he co-created with Shawn Ryan. The show has become a ratings success for CBS. But what people love the most about Mamet is his wit, his hilarious cynicism and his ability to teach. That teaching gene has been put on display with Mamet’s acting classes, his book On Directing Film and now his new book, Bambi vs. Godzilla:...

Glengarry Glen Ross my alltime fave movie.

ALWAYS
BE
CLOSING!!!!!

Don't Mess with the Machine LEVINE!!!!

David Mamet is one of the single most important 20th century American playwrights. I mean, the man's a reasonably good screenwriter, but he hasn't even come close to affecting film in the same groundbreaking way he's affected drama.

And there's not one question regarding his work in the theatre?

pray tell, what would that question be?

If it were me, I'd probably ask him why he continues working on fair-to-middlin films when he could be producing groundbreaking drama.

But truth be told, I have an ax to grind when it comes to Mamet. Which is why I can never truly respect Mamet.

I mean, it just seems to me that's like talking to Jon Stewart about Death to Smoochy and Half Baked and America the Book and Crossfire and never asking about the Daily Show.

that question you want to ask is a bad question and one that would insult him. i've seen mamet's work on stage and screen. this interview was about this new book which is about hollywood, therefore it makes sense to focus on that.

great interview! thanks.