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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the term which refers to the protagonist's immediate goal?
(a) Motivation.
(b) Obstacle.
(c) Superobjective.
(d) Objective.

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

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

4. A good writer only gets better by learning to do what, according to Mamet?
(a) Cut.
(b) Create characters.
(c) Narrate.
(d) Flesh out stories.

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

6. Mamet says that the house has to look like a house. The ______ doesn't have to look like a house.
(a) Nail.
(b) The door.
(c) The steps.
(d) The window.

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

8. Sometimes, Mamet says in Chapter 3, the piece (film) will do what?
(a) Create roadblocks.
(b) Work with you.
(c) Fight back against you.
(d) Create impediments.

9. Where did Mamet go to college?
(a) Maine.
(b) Boston.
(c) New York.
(d) Vermont.

10. What are after-the-fact attempts to shore up that which was not correctly designed in a film?
(a) Signs.
(b) Editing.
(c) Narration.
(d) Exposition.

11. In what year did Mamet write the Preface of the book?
(a) 1988.
(b) 1985.
(c) 1990.
(d) 1995.

12. Where was Mamet teaching in the fall of 1987?
(a) Rutgers University.
(b) NYU.
(c) Columbia.
(d) Yale.

13. What does Mamet say happens when the problem posited by the scene is over?
(a) The next scene begins.
(b) The scene is over.
(c) The objective is attained.
(d) The film is over.

14. Who did Mamet compare with Frank Capra in Chapter 3?
(a) David Lynch.
(b) Werner Herzog.
(c) Alfred Hitchcock.
(d) Brad Commers.

15. Counterculture architecture was based on designing buildings based on what?
(a) How the architect felt.
(b) The weather.
(c) The natural surroundings.
(d) The setting.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Who wrote The Profession of the Stage?

3. According to Mamet, film schools are basically what?

4. What term means a filmmaker, usually a director, who exercises creative control over his or her works and has a strong personal style?

5. What logical construct did Mamet use to explain the system of film-making in Chapter 3?

(see the answer keys)

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