David Mamet - Teaches Dramatic Writing - MasterClass

David Mamet - Teaches Dramatic Writing - MasterClass

I first discovered David Mamet when I got onto his screening list, for his feature movie "House of Games," with Lindsay Crouse, Joe Mantegna, and Ricky Jay. Screenings were at MGM in Culver City.

I watched several iterations of his movie, dutifully filled out my audience cards from my arrogant young view as a Filmmaker and Editor, and was invited back, called by an Assistant, to see subsequent edits.

Before my wondering eyes, I saw his movie grow from the original tight straight linear story, to a more artful, lighter telling of the tale. Minor changes usually, but once I saw a whole section put into a different order, and the whole was quite improved.

I had built my improv theatre by that time, and all I knew of David Mamet was, if you got "David Mamet" as a style suggestion, the quickest way to a laugh was do a scene of foul language. That was our understanding of him.

Seeing the changes he made, in repeated viewings of his first commercial feature film as Director, gave me an entirely different view of him as an Artist. I more understood what he wanted to do. 

Seeing what he shaved away, and what he carved off in chunks, showed me what he thought important, and what was inconsequential. I also went to screenings of his "State and Main," which also was excellent.

He definitely has an ear for Dialogue, and a clear view of how he wants it to serve his scenes. He doesn't put anything in, which doesn't push his story forward.

I am delighted Mr. Mamet has a video Masterclass. I know it will be good, and it will be insightful. Please tell me if you get into it, and how it helps you.

-- Sam Longoria



Improv
MasterClass
Master Class David Mamet
Joe MantegnaScript Writing
Teacher VideoOnline Classes 
State and Main
Lindsay Crouse
House of Games
How To Be A Writer 
How To Be An Actor 
Glengarry Glen Ross 
Writing Short Stories 
Glengarry Glen Ross Play
David Mamet MasterClass

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There was a Man - Charles Durning Actor

I met Charles Durning at the Oscars, in 1983. He'd been nominated for "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," Best Supporting Actor. 

I was struck by how much The Camera loved his face. It was stunning. In real life, you'd never know he was a movie star. In real life, he was startlingly, breathtakingly homely. The word "ugly" is not out of the question. Somehow, The Camera smoothed all that out on the movie screen, and fixed it. 

I actually jumped, seeing him in a crowd of really pretty people, which is what the Oscars crowd is. He looked like a potato, lumpy and bumpy, in a beauty pageant. 

Even more jarring, Mr. Durning had two incredibly beautiful women, each a solid Hollywood "10," one on each arm. Huge smiles all around, they clearly adored him. Whatever it takes to rise above a superficial first glance, to a Character Actor Star, he had it, in spades. 

I was 27, and worried I was starting Acting too late. I asked him, and he told me he only got started Acting in his '40s, but that I should hurry. I asked if Acting had been his first choice. He told me he'd had lots of other jobs, including Dance Instructor. But Acting...He grinned, and said, "What else could I do?" 

Mr. Durning was Oscar-nominated the following year, again Best Supporting, for Mel Brooks's "To Be Or Not To Be," and he's my favorite in lots of movies, notably The Coen Brothers's "The Hudsucker Proxy," "O Brother Where Art Thou," and David Mamet's "State and Main."

Rest in Peace, Charles Durning. You were great. A wonderful Actor. (And a war hero). You made your mark.

Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Charles Durning
Charles Durning Actor
Coen Brothers
David Mamet
Larry McMurtry
Mel Brooks
O Brother Where Art Thou
State and Main
The Hudsucker Proxy
To Be Or Not To Be