14 Comments

I vaguely remember that movie. I loved Mamet plays. He’s a genius writer. I’ll never forget when he guest taught a class at NYU. I was never late for class but this one morning the subway broke down and I was late. He then said to the class something like, Rule number 1, if you want to be a professional actor always be on time.

I wanted to hide.

Expand full comment
author

There are some good lines in this one too. You might appreciate this one (as someone in the industry):

Joseph Turner White:

What's an associate producer credit?

Bill Smith:

It's what you give to your secretary instead of a raise.

Expand full comment

My favorite Mamet film is The Winslow Boy. Everyone is good, some wonderful British character actors, but I think Jeremy Northam is excellent.

Re After Hours, you may find this article of interest, in which Griffin Dunne shares a great After Hours story -- https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jun/06/ill-never-forgive-or-forget-griffin-dunne-on-the-darkness-that-overtook-his-gilded-hollywood-upbringing

Expand full comment
Jun 10Liked by Beth Lisogorsky

I remember really liking HOMICIDE at the time but am very unsure how it holds up. And SPARTAN is pretty good, elevated by the hilarious DVD commentary track in which Val Kilmer absolutely DESTROYS Mamet as a director.

Expand full comment
author

On your point of Kilmer's dislike for Mamet, I just Googled this (it's from Indiewire):

"The 2004 film “Spartan” has largely been forgotten, but the thriller will always have a place in history as the movie that made Val Kilmer hate David Mamet.

A viral Twitter thread has sparked renewed interest in the film’s DVD commentary track, in which Kilmer repeatedly insults his director Mamet for what Kilmer saw as pompous and occasionally abusive on-set behavior. The film, which centers around a search for the President’s kidnapped daughter, was the first collaboration between Mamet and Kilmer. Based on the actor’s comments, it’s not surprising that it ended up being their last.

“He’s cruel,” Kilmer said of Mamet. “He hates actors, having failed at the profession himself. There were a lot of tears on the set. It was tough, because you’d be playing a tough guy and he’d break you down. But in front of everyone too, he wouldn’t do it in the trailer. I hate him.”

Expand full comment

“I’m going to tear out your heart and piss on your lungs through the hole in your chest.” 😆

Expand full comment
author

Some of the lines in this film are really good. They deliver.

Bob: I know my lines.

Walt: You do?

Bob: Yeah, I just don’t know what order they come in.

Expand full comment

I haven’t seen it in 20 years, but there are a number that stand out, e.g., “it looks like edgy Head puked and that puke made these costumes.”

Expand full comment
Jun 9Liked by Beth Lisogorsky

Agree with "House of Games". Also "Heist" and "Wag the Dog".

Expand full comment
author

I remember “Wag the Dog”

Come to think of it the expert spin doctor, sex scandal evasion and Hollywood producer all jive here too… though this felt more connected to the real life Monica Lewinsky situation

Expand full comment
Jun 9Liked by Beth Lisogorsky

It opened my eyes to performance politics

Expand full comment

Mamet’s “House of Games” is a must-see thriller. Fantastic.

Expand full comment
author

I haven't seen this. Adding it to the list. It's with Zosia's mom, I see, and Mamet's ex!

Expand full comment