Book SummaryEverywhere an Oink Oink, by David Mamet

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Everywhere an Oink Oink

Specialists within the movie industry

This section delves into the inherent clashes between artistic creation and the business elements of movie-making, as well as the dynamic characters and fortune-seekers drawn to the heart of the film industry.

Dynamics and tensions between creative talent and business-minded producers

Mamet emphasizes the frequently tense dynamics between filmmakers and the financiers who oversee their distribution. He argues that this dynamic is often characterized by conflicting priorities and a fundamental misunderstanding of the creative process.

Producers often place monetary interests above creative integrity, leading to conflicts with those who infuse the characters with vitality and steer the performers in stage or screen endeavors.

Mamet notes that the pursuit of financial gain often leads producers to place a higher value on profitability than on maintaining the purity of their artistic vision. Producers often interfere with the artistic creation, demanding changes to the script as well as the film's guidance, placing a higher value on financial gain than on the creator's initial vision. The narrative's central theme, emphasizing the ethical dilemma and the protagonist's steadfast determination to save his son's dear friend, was at odds with the intentions of the 'High and Low' filmmakers, who insisted on delving into the concepts of greed and vengeance. David Mamet's innovative version of "We're No Angels" suffered due to the constraints of conforming to a conventional Christmas film format, resulting in a movie that, despite its commercial success, did not fully showcase the potential wit.

The author contends that prioritizing profits typically yields movies that are unoriginal and do not genuinely captivate viewers. He argues that producers' obsession with market trends, combined with their insufficient grasp of the complexities that are essential to a well-crafted screenplay, leads to the production of artistically weakened works. In his reimagining, Mamet cleverly pinpointed the less-than-ideal conclusion of the original piece and devised an ending that resonated with the fundamental theme of Kurosawa's High and Low. The authorities, determined to present a narrative centered on greed and vengeance, rejected his intricate conclusion in favor of a more conventional and less satisfying ending.

Other Perspectives

• Producers often have financial responsibilities and accountability to investors, which necessitates a focus on the commercial viability of a project.
• Financial success can ensure the sustainability of artistic endeavors, allowing creators to continue producing art in the long term.
• The commercial aspect of filmmaking ensures that the industry can sustain itself, providing employment and economic benefits, which can be seen as a form of social contribution.
• Producers' focus on market trends can actually enhance the relevance and accessibility of artistic works, ensuring that they reach and resonate with a broader audience.
• The constraints of a conventional Christmas film format do not necessarily stifle innovation; they can serve as a creative challenge that pushes filmmakers to find unique ways to express their vision within a familiar framework.
• The process of adapting and reimagining a story for a new format or audience often involves compromise, and the end result can still be a work that is both commercially viable and artistically sound.
• The changes made to Mamet's version of "We're No Angels" could have been driven by audience research and market analysis, which might suggest that the alterations were in line with what viewers wanted or expected from a Christmas film.
• Mamet's ending, while potentially more resonant with the fundamental theme he identified, might not align with the narrative arcs or character development established throughout the original film, leading to a disconnect for the audience.
• The producers' experience and expertise in the film industry might have informed their decision, suggesting that a more conventional ending has a proven track record of success in similar film projects.

The sector is often characterized by an exploitative and nepotistic hierarchy, which frequently takes advantage of newcomers.

In Mamet's depiction, the landscape of the film industry is defined by a strictly hierarchical system, where fierce rivalry is commonplace and the grasp on power and influence often overshadows the value of skill and integrity. He argues that the industry’s power structure, built on relationships and access rather than merit, allows for exploitation and nepotism to flourish. Newcomers to the industry often fall prey to unscrupulous producers, along with agents and executives, who aim to take advantage of their intense aspiration for success.

The author recounts numerous anecdotes illustrating this exploitative culture. In a segment of the narrative, a producer who had previously guaranteed Mamet access to contingency financing for completing his movie later disclosed that the resources were depleted, forcing Mamet to shoulder the post-production expenses alone. A story unfolds where an ostensibly kind figure promises to advocate and assist, but in reality, this individual uses deceptive tactics and empty promises that result in the artist's resources being drained and their career path being redirected.

David Mamet believes that this environment cultivates a sense of doubt and anxiety, driving creators to constantly modify their initial concepts to conform to the expectations of those in power, potentially leading to a standstill in artistic development and a feeling of disillusionment. He cynically suggests that the contemporary influx of “diversity” initiatives and social justice posturing is merely a new guise for the same old power struggles and exploitation, with executives using these causes to consolidate their influence while sacrificing...

Everywhere an Oink Oink Summary The techniques and processes employed for film production

In this part, Mamet delves into the intricate aspects of producing movies, underscoring the importance of specialized technical knowledge, particularly in the arts of writing screenplays and directing films.

The technical and creative aspects of screenwriting

Mamet emphasizes the significance of developing a captivating narrative framework in screenplay writing, which not only molds and directs the audience's journey but also transcends mere clever conversation crafting. He argues that deep understanding of narrative structure and the psychological foundations of storytelling is essential for success.

Screenwriting involves the technical skill of developing a compelling storyline, not merely crafting conversational language.

Mamet challenges the common misconception that the core of screenwriting is primarily focused on crafting dialogue. He argues that cinema's core lies in narrating stories by arranging images in sequence, where dialogue serves a supporting, yet occasionally pivotal, function. The writer posits that crafting a screenplay involves devising a compelling story through a carefully orchestrated sequence of events, revelations, and unforeseen turns. He...

Everywhere an Oink Oink Summary The author's personal reflections and thoughts are deeply intertwined with the film industry.

In this section, Mamet explores his personal experiences within the movie industry, offering a unique perspective and insightful observations on its often illogical workings.

The transition of the renowned playwright to a screenwriter presented David Mamet with numerous obstacles in Hollywood.

Mamet recounts his experiences in Hollywood, beginning with his initial excitement and accomplishments, and moving on to the inevitable obstacles and disillusionments that come with the complex and often unpredictable film industry. He recounts his evolution from a distinguished playwright to a screenwriter, with his esteemed theatrical talents laying the groundwork for his future pursuits within the realm of cinema. However, he quickly encountered resistance to his distinctive methods, with producers and studio executives often expressing confusion over the complexity inherent in his scriptwriting.

He recounts his initial forays into the film industry, blending humor with a discerning viewpoint as he emphasizes the peculiar power structures and the common conflicts between the pursuit of creative vision and the demands of market forces. He notes the irony of his initial "demotion"...