Though David Mamet is best known for his distinctive writing style in his scripts for the stage and screen, he has also directed theater and film.
The 1976 short documentary titled The Playwright Directs depicts Mamet directing actors through several scenes at an almost frantic pace, dispensing pearls of wisdom throughout, like his thoughts on method acting. Mamet also touches upon his ideas behind effective staging and lighting. The actors in the documentary include Lindsay Crouse (who was married to Mamet from 1977 to 1990), late stage actor Michael Higgins, and members of the Circle Repertory Company rehearsing Mamet’s plays Dark Pony and Reunion.
It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in Mamet’s theories behind directing theory… and also because of Mamet’s highlighter-yellow shirt (although that might just be from the faded colors of the videotape!)
