Ryan

“Keep it simple, stupid” is the approach to this book, and the approach to filmmaking as described in this book. It's based on a series of classes that writer/director David Mamet conducted at Columbia University. The transcribed dialogue between Mamet and the students makes it a great lesson to follow.

He says a director has three questions to answer: What is a character doing and what does it mean to the scene? Where should the camera be placed? and What instructions should individual actors receive?

He discusses his disgust with the contemporary films and actors of today. Filled with unnecessary glam and exposition. Films today don't give their audience enough credit. The director isn't smarter than their audience.

An amazing read for someone in the writing process. This especially a book about writing a story. Then it is about following the story through the directing process.

An astounding follow up to The Shining. More thriller and less scary than The Shining, but also more heart and joy. A great companion without retreading, and yet stays grounded in what was set up in The Shining, albeit with some serious stretches and pulls in regard to the supernatural abilities featured in Doctor Sleep.