Being rewritten countless times into subsequent drafts by numerous screenwriters in order to appease directors and actors who circulate around committing to the project, and in turn, costing the studio incredible development fees, is often counter productive and results in fast-tracking principal photography in order to meet unrealistic release dates that ultimately compromise the artistic integrity, and entertainment value, of the film. Delivering Mamet's brilliant lines of dialogue are an ensemble of accomplished actors, headlined by Gene Hackman and Danny Devito, who deliver tour de force performances. Robert Elswit's crisp cinematography and Theodore Shapiro's somber music help to set the tone of the film. But, again, it's the script, and it's plot devices that really hit home. Depicting how life is indeed a series of random encounters and coincidences tied to one another, and showing that to every action, there is a reaction.
Filmmakers like to create worlds.
All the main characters have a motive at the beginning, with a conflict to go up against, as they learn their lesson, and ultimately resolve the matter. This is why Mamet is a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright. It's also why all budding screenwriters should line up around the block when the Shakespeare of his time makes an appearance at their film school. Whether it's visiting the set, taking an early look at a summer blockbuster, interviewing movie stars or the film's creators or promising to not publish inciminating photos from a certain movie star's weekend-long party in the hills, he's our eyes and ears in Hollywood. Previous issues of Suni's column are also available.