David Mamet hasn’t directed a film since 2008’s “Redbelt.” His indelibly stylish dialogue can be seen and heard in some of his best-known works, those include “House of Games”, “Homicide”, “Glengary Glen Ross”, “Wag the Dog”, “The Spanish Prisoner” and “Heist.” All superb films.
Mamet’s new off-broadway play, “Henry Johnson”, starring Shia LaBeouf, is down to its final performances in NYC. Speaking to THR, LaBeouf reveals that Mamet wants to film an adaptation of the play for the big screen. Let’s hope it happens. I heard the show is great.
Laboeuf plays the cellmate of the show’s titular character, a lawyer who is behind bars for his illegal activities. The show also made the news for Mamet’s refusal to invite critics to showings. If they wanted to review the play then they had to buy a ticket.
Mamet is known for his wittily acidic dialogue. In fact, a term was invented for his style of writing: “Mamet speak.” Mamet's style of writing is cynical, edgy, street and precisely crafted for effect.