On Directing Film
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Calling on his unique perspective as playwright, screenwriter, and director of his own critically acclaimed movies, *House of Games* and *Things Change*, David Mamet illuminates how a film comes to be. He looks at every aspect of directing—from script to cutting room—to show the many tasks directors undertake in reaching their prime objective: presenting a story that will be understood by the audience and has the power to be both surprising and inevitable at the same time.
Based on a series of classes Mamet taught at Columbia University's film school, *On Directing Film* will be enjoyed not only by students but by anyone interested in an overview of the craft of filmmaking.
*— Amazon.com*
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“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.
Corto, conciso y cargado de información para cualquier futuro cineasta. Imprescindible.
