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Title: The Spanish Prisoner and the Winslow Boy: Two Screenplays by David Mamet ISBN: 0-375-70664-X Publisher: Vintage Books USA Pub. Date: 01 September, 1999 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Two fine scripts, too minimalist at times
Comment: For those who have not seen the films, or have not read Mamet's trademark dialogue before, these two scripts will be bewildering. Following the nuances of the shifting allegiances and the fate of the Macguffin "process" in THE SPANISH PRISONER is difficult, but that's also the fun. I'll admit, even after reading the script carefully I'm not sure who conned who in the end.
THE WINSLOW BOY is a different kind of difficult. A justly-praised, fine adaptation of the Terrence Rattigan play. Problem is, Mamet expects us all to be familiar with the play. He doesn't bother to give any information about the characters (including ages) or their surroundings, except what you come to gather through the dialogue. Without a map to keep the character realtionships straight, this is a tough read, not least in some of the deliciously archaic words and manners of Edwardian England (where the story takes place, you learn eventually).
Because both scripts were written to be self-directed, Mamet does not share many details, even by his own minimalist standards. This, plus his annoying habit of writing out lots of camera angles, make them less enjoyable reads compared to most contemporary screenplays.
There is a lot to be gleaned her in terms of structure, story and character, however. I recommend seeing the movies first, and then deciding whether you want the scripts, Mamet's minimalist recipes for cinematic suspense.
Rating: 5
Summary: Some of the best writing cinema has to offer.
Comment: David Mamet both writes and directs his own films but the strength of Mamet's film comes from his writing. "The Spanish Prisoner" and "The Winslow Boy" are both examples of Mamet's best screenwriting. The dialogue alone is legendary. One of the knocks against Mamet's work has been a disregard for the female characters in his work but "The Winslow Boy" has a vital and strong role that was brought to the screen very well by Rebecca Pidegon. These screenplays exemplify what is good with today's cinema and are essential reading for any one interested in viewing the art of the screenplay.
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Title: House of Games by David Mamet ISBN: 0802130283 Publisher: Grove Press Pub. Date: 01 September, 1987 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: Boston Marriage: A Play by David Mamet ISBN: 0375706658 Publisher: Vintage Books USA Pub. Date: October, 2002 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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Title: The Cryptogram by David Mamet ISBN: 0679746536 Publisher: Vintage Books USA Pub. Date: 01 June, 1995 List Price(USD): $12.00 |
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Title: American Buffalo: A Play by David Mamet ISBN: 0802150578 Publisher: Grove Press Pub. Date: 01 October, 1977 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: State and Main: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts) by David Mamet ISBN: 1557044562 Publisher: Newmarket Press Pub. Date: January, 2001 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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