Screenwriter/director/playwright David Mamet, an often reclusive interview subject, is at a Century City hotel to talk about “Spartan,” a political thriller starring Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, Ed O’Neill and William H. Macy.
The film, about a secret operative’s attempt to rescue the president’s kidnapped daughter, opens Friday.
In person, the bearded and crew cut-wearing Mamet, 56, is polite, never coy or evasive. The two-time Oscar nominee, Pulitzer Prize winner and the much imitated creator of contemporary classics such as “Glengarry Glen Ross” and “American Buffalo” doesn’t laugh easily and seems genuinely surprised that he carries a reputation for being not the easiest celebrity to cozy up to.
Where did the idea for “Spartan” come from?
I just made it up.
Could the scenario presented in “Spartan” actually happen?
I hope it could happen. Not in real life, but I hope it’s sufficiently consistent and plausible that people say, “Oh my God, that could happen,” if only for the purposes of being entertained.
How’d you happen on Val Kilmer to play the agent?
I wrote the thing, and Art Linson produced the movie. He and I were having lunch in Hollywood, and there was Val literally at the next table. Art and I looked at each other and (later) we sent him the script, and that was it.
What do you like about his work?
He’s very intelligent and very honest. It’s just you looking at him playing the part rather than looking at him bringing his ideas to the part.
You’re renowned for working with the same actors over and over again.
I like ’em. Why would I want to work with someone else?
Have we seen William H. Macy’s best work?
Macy’s great. Look at the stuff he’s done. Look at what he did in “Door to Door” and “Oleanna.” Look at the turn he did in “Seabiscuit.” He’s just a great actor. I think he can do anything.
Have you seen “The Cooler”?
I’ve got to see it. Everyone says it’s great.
It’s been compared to your style of writing.
Oh yeah? Oh good. I’m looking forward to seeing it.
What do you make of phrases like “Mamet-esque” or “Mamet-speak” when people compare other people’s work to yours?
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Well, it’s a compliment that people like my work enough to either endeavor to emulate it or endeavor to surpass it. Both are a compliment.
Back to “Spartan.” Given the twists and turns of your previous movies, should viewers expect more double crosses and cons?
I’d say it’s a political thriller, right down the middle. There’s a secret operative and there’s the government. There you go.
Where does your interest in con games and intrigue come from?
I lived in that world for many, many years. I was a poker player, a habitue of gambling dens, and I also spent much time among criminals. I spent a lot of time on the edges of society trying to make a living, and I was fascinated with what was going on there.