- Hardcover: 1 pages
- Publisher: Viking USA (Nov 24 1986)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0670811408
- ISBN-13: 978-0670811403
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 14.7 x 2.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 340 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,652,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Mamet believes the proper function of the actor or playwright in our "dying" civilization is to get to the heart of what is essential in all of us and establish a communion among listeners. He feels that most acting today is mechanical because of society's demand for reassurance that nothing will change, that we are safe. In these short, hard-hitting essays, the well-known playwright (American Buffalo, etc.) delves into the collective mentality of the American theater, which, he maintains, acts as a brake on the creativity of producers and dramatists. Mamet looks at the hidden politics of the theater, how actors are manipulated and controlled by directors. He rails against the electronic amplification of the live stage. Among the themes explored are why radio is a great training ground for writers, theater as an arena for dreams and the subconscious, Tennessee Williams's dramatic mission, and the craze for fashion as a symptom of the middle class's sterile lifestyle and loss of the ability to fantasize.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The title of Mamet's first collection of essays and speeches certainly doesn't suggest the themes of commitment and excellence. Nevertheless, if a collection of 28 essays on a variety of topics can be said to have an overarching theme or themes, then surely commitment and excellence sound clearly. These essays, apparently written over a considerable span of years, treat topics ranging from radio drama through middle-class fashion trends to the Academy Awards and the use of amplification in theaters. In nearly all of them, however, Mamet finds his way back to his twin themes. Some of the most rewarding efforts are "Radio Drama," "Acting," and "Notes on The Cherry Orchard ." Mamet's sense of humor is also evident. Libraries that have his dramatic works will also want this. Theodore O. Wohlsen, Jr., Connecticut State Lib., Hartford
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
In Chicago's traffic court there is a room set aside for silver-suited lawyers. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
In Chicago's traffic court there is a room set aside for silver-suited lawyers. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good stuff here,
By hvgutman "hvgutman" (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Writing in Restaurants (Paperback)
There are some really great essays in this book, especially if you're a person who loves the theater. Much like "True and False", this book takes aim at problems plaguing America's theater. His best essays in here are for actors - they inspire and reclaim some of the art's dignity. Also, if you're like me, you can appreciate his essay in here on pool halls. I've never seen anyone nail why they're such great places to visit like he does in this book. This isn't his best work. But it's a pleasant read nonetheless. Worth the time.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring one to be better,
By Thor Vader "Herr Director" (Beverly Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Writing in Restaurants (Paperback)
This book's strength was that it made me challenge my own beliefs. As a filmmaker and writer, I have developed a sense for writing crap that appeals to the lowest common denominator. Mamet made me re-evaluate what made me become a writer, and the importance of the theater. I find his writing very interesting from the standpoint that he is very much of the theater, and an elitist as a result, but he is very favorable when discussing Hollywood. I think everyone should read his section on the Oscars in this book. Overall, I was very pleased I read the book, and would have to ultimately recommend it to others.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eat and Write A Novel,
This review is from: Writing in Restaurants (Paperback)
David Mamets "Writing In Restaraunts" is a perfect execution of playwriting technique guidance and education. When Mamet, the pulitzer prize winning author, combines his know how of writing business and his suave writing style, you get "the goods". Do yourself a favor, and purchase this book.
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