A fascinating interview with playwright/screenwriter/director David Mamet by Charlie Rose (jump to 29:00) features his comments on economics and Hollywood (jump to 36:00). The interview is about his book Bambi Vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose, and Practice of the Movie Business. He says that he has been studying economics and has been fascinated with the film industry as an exemplar of the free market. He explicitly rejects central planning of culture, “the commissar of culture” (state theaters, etc.) and celebrates the entrepreneur who he says must have “arrogance or, to put it differently, self-assurance” as they push for their vision while always keeping an eye on the audience. See Theatre and the State by Hans Frank for a brief overview of central planning of culture in the U.S. [Thanks Filmspotting]
David Mamet on Central Planning of Culture
