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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2: Where Do You Put the Camera?.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who said the following: when we have two theories, each of which adequately describes a phenomenon, always pick the simpler?
(a) William of Occam.
(b) Einstein.
(c) Aristotle.
(d) Eisenstein.

2. In what area did Mamet have greater experience in when writing the book?
(a) Screenwriting.
(b) Acting.
(c) Film criticism.
(d) Stage directing.

3. The second beat of the hypothetical scene in Chapter 2 was to what?
(a) To arrive early.
(b) To pay homage.
(c) To prepare.
(d) To gain respect.

4. Mamet says you should always do things in what way, in order to make the best movie?
(a) The least interesting way.
(b) The most interesting way.
(c) The most frugal way.
(d) The most artistic way.

5. The smallest unit is the shot; the largest unit is what?
(a) The beat.
(b) The scene.
(c) The ending.
(d) The film.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Mamet, the storyteller did NOT need something in Chapter 2. What was it?

2. What is the rule which Mamet says means "Keep it simple, stupid"?

3. What is the main shot of any given scene?

4. Who did Mamet cite in saying that we needn't avoid things just because they're cliche?

5. A good writer only gets better by learning to do what, according to Mamet?

(see the answer key)

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