Three Uses Of The Knife: On the Nature and Purpose of Drama (Diaries, Letters and Essays)

An intriguing insight into Mamet's thinking. Raises some interesting points not only on the nature of drama but on the nature of life. Mamet has a great eye for observing random things and making connections that you never noticed were there. Or may not actually be there but are certainly entertaining.It's a thin book but that's probably best. Mamet's writing is dense and often inaccessible in places, for the sake of the average brain don't spend more than ten minutes at a sitting with it or you'll either a. end up with a headful of mush or b. end up missing a lot. Mamet's complex yet spartan prose crams a lot in, a couple of pages go a long way.This is the first thing of his I've read that wasn't a script. Absent is his usual snappy dialogue and hip talk, my only disappointment with it as, to me, that is David Mamet's signatures (and one of the pleasures of reading/watching his plays and films). In places it is hard to follow, many pages need 2 or 3 reads to appreciate his point but that same devious mind is still there.

Definite food for thought. I've been inclined to think that perhaps drama is frivolous, but Mamet's take on drama (and why we humans need it) is fascinating. He argues that drama is to humans as jumping is to goats - something that we naturally excel in due to our physiology and that is therefore essential rather than just a diversion. One reading of this book probably isn't enough.

Manet’s one of the greatest playwrights of the second half of the twentieth century; h knows what he preaches. There are so many – hundreds – of books telling one how to write well, this one is as good as any to start the reading.

The great man tells it like it is: well, from his point of view. He banishes directors, gives actors the helm, harangues playwrights and sneers at every theatrical pretension: entertaining paid bums on seats is what it's about. Always refreshing.

Short but magisterial overview of the structure and dynamics of drama and its relevance to the way human beings construct their view of the world. A must.

Mamet is undoubtedly one of the most interesting theorists to read in my opinion and this book is no exception, my only problem is that he has a habit, in these essays, of using very sophisticated language but if you do not mind reading with a dictionary it is great!

Few points about how most of stories form. Good read. Rather quick.

Nice book.