Customer Reviews

State and Main: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Scripts)

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I first got into films because of David Mamet. Back in 1995, three years after its theatrical release, I saw 'Glengarry Glen Ross,' I was all of 13 at the time, and I've been interested in movies ever since. David Mamet is the genius responsible for my undying love of the cinema. Every word he writes is the English language at its best. So lyrical are the cadences of his dialogue that its not like he writes, but more accurately paints with words. Look at his work and you realize you're not dealing with an ordinary playwright, you are dealing with a modern Shakespeare. Such is the quality that he brings to 'State and Main,' an endlessly funny and beautifully crafted satire that I rank right up there with 'Glengarry.' Mamet brings a depth to his characters that transcends the satire, the people in the screenplay aren't ducks to be shot down for the sake of humor, we care about them, and thus sympathize through the laughter. The plot, which seems unoriginal at first look is given a unique life thanks to Mamet, and it seems so carefully crafted as to bypass the inherent feeling that this isn't the first screenplay of its kind. 'State and Main' brings us a unique world, just a little off center for satire's sake but filled with characters that are more than the sum of their quirks, and the fact that it works is a testament to Mamet's genius.

Unique screenplay that is virtually all dialouge. I've read it twice and still can't fully grasp how he makes the picture so clear in my mind with so little description. Impressive and a great education.