I’ve been a fan of David Mamet’s since I saw Glengarry Glen Ross, one of the most honest movies about the real estate business that you’re ever going to see. Since then, I’ve seen most of Mamet’s plays (or read them) and watched his other movies like The Spanish Prisoner. Mamet can be an effective essayist, too. Check out his thoughts on the movie industry in Bambi vs. Godzilla. Mamet’s latest book, The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture, tells the story of Mamet’s transition from a Liberal to a Conservative. It’s an interesting story. But what’s more interesting is Mamet’s analysis of American culture, his critique of colleges and universities, his insights into the Arts, reflections on the craft of writing, and his own interactions with his family. This is a deeply personal book. Yes, there are rants about Global Warming being a scam. And, there is a kind of defense of Sarah Palin. But, if you can get past those views, you’ll find a book with insights you’ll be thinking about days and weeks after you finish reading it. GRADE: B+
I’m sorry, George, but I got a bad feeling with “global warming is a scam;” felt worse with “defense of Sarah Palin;” and you lost me entirely at “if you can get past these views.” Looking at Mamet’s body of work, I don’t discount his obvious verbal energy, but as to whether he was ever a liberal…well, let’s just say, his treatment of women (such as it is) in his work is hardly enlightened. I think he was a conservative all along and just needed a bit of nudging to come out. On this book, I have to pass; if I want ideas from the right-wing echo-chamber, I’ll just listen to talk radio or switch on Fox News.
I just filtered out the Right Wing stuff, Deb. You’re right about Mamet’s early treatment of women.
I’m with Deb. I doubt I can get past those views. Heard him on the radio and he seemed like an arrogant SOB. I don’t need any reminder that these people are out there in droves.
There’s no denying Mamet is arrogant, Patti. One of the more compelling essays in THE SECRET KNOWLEDGE concerns Mamet’s problems with students in a college class he taught. One of the students tried to have Mamet banned from the campus.
pass – he is an arrogant SOB, Patti.
If I want to read those kinds of opinions…well, I don’t and won’t.
Defense of Palin? No, that’s all I need to hear.
It was a pretty anemic defense of Palin, Jeff. Mamet was impressed that Sarah Palin worked as a fisherman. Mamet’s defense of Israel was powerful.
Bambi v. Godzilla was a wonderful animated short, saw it many, many years ago at an anumation festival. What ever happened to those, by the way? As for this book, I’m with the rest of the commentors: no, thanks.
I was more interested in Mamet’s thoughts on Art and Culture than I was in his conservative ideals, Rick.
uh, that’s “animation festival”
George, you’re an open-minded fellow, and one who seems pretty secure in his beliefs.
Whether the interesting and somewhat problematic Mamet was a liberal then, or a conservative now, he is a writer of some importance, and I am rather curious about his take on culture and, even more so, his thoughts on art.
Mamet’s ruminations about sitting in an empty room and writing a play captured my interest, Drongo. And Mamet’s analysis of “the dismantling of American Culture” is spot-on. I am a fiscal conservative (I like balanced budgets that make sense and I hate wasteful spending), but I’m a social liberal (I support Gay rights, women’s right to choose, and disapprove of Government intervention in personal behavior based on Christian beliefs). So there is no political party for me. I sometimes fantasize that a Pragmatic Party will arise that focuses on Getting Things Done.
Richard, I also flashed back to the Bambi vs. Godzilla short that I saw when I was in college in the late 60s.
Personally I don’t trust anyone on either extreme, right or left.
Your centrist position is a wise one, Stan. By the way, your comment on Jack Vance’s mysteries motivated me to do a Forgotten Book posting on one of them this Friday.
I recently reread The Pleasant Grove Murders and The Fox Valley Murders. They may not be the best but they are my favorite of Vance’s mysteries.
You’ll see what I think of one of those Vance mysteries on Friday, Stan.