Films have degenerated to their original operation as carnival amusement - they offer not drama but thrills.

Quote by David Mamet

Topics: David Mamet Quotes

It's only words... unless they're true.

It's only words... unless they're true.

In a world we find terrifying, we ratify that which doesn't threaten us.

In a world we find terrifying, we ratify that which doesn't threaten us.

We Americans have always considered Hollywood, at best, a sinkhole of depraved venality. And, of...

We Americans have always considered Hollywood, at best, a sinkhole of depraved venality. And, of...

People may or may not say what they mean... but they always say something designed...

People may or may not say what they mean... but they always say something designed...

We respond to a drama to that extent to which it corresponds to our dreamlife.

We respond to a drama to that extent to which it corresponds to our dreamlife.

A dramatic experience concerned with the mundane may inform but it cannot release; and one...

A dramatic experience concerned with the mundane may inform but it cannot release; and one...

Life in the movie business is like the beginning of a new love affair: it's...

Life in the movie business is like the beginning of a new love affair: it's...

Every reiteration of the idea that nothing matters debases the human spirit.

Every reiteration of the idea that nothing matters debases the human spirit.

Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember

Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember

I grew up in a tough neighborhood and we used to say you can get...

I grew up in a tough neighborhood and we used to say you can get...

Policemen so cherish their status as keepers of the peace and protectors of the public...

Policemen so cherish their status as keepers of the peace and protectors of the public...

I hate vacations. There's nothing to do.

I hate vacations. There's nothing to do.

A good film script should be able to do completely without dialogue.

A good film script should be able to do completely without dialogue.

I always thought the real violence in Hollywood isn't what's on the screen. It's what...

I always thought the real violence in Hollywood isn't what's on the screen. It's what...

The product of the artist has become less important than the fact of the artist....

The product of the artist has become less important than the fact of the artist....

The surprise is half the battle. Many things are half the battle, losing is half...

The surprise is half the battle. Many things are half the battle, losing is half...

Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember.

Always tell the truth - it's the easiest thing to remember.

Joy is increased by spreading it to others

Joy is increased by spreading it to others

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time,...

If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time,...

Ruefulness is one of the classical tones of American fiction. It fosters a native, deglamorized...

Ruefulness is one of the classical tones of American fiction. It fosters a native, deglamorized...