Just a minute with: writer, director David Mamet

By Iain Blair

LOS ANGELES (Reuters Life!) - Prolific Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and two-time Oscar nominee David Mamet has been a force in U.S. theater and film for over 30 years.

He has written films such as "The Untouchables," "The Verdict" and "Hoffa," and written and directed "Heist," "State and Main" and "The Spanish Prisoner," among many others.

His new film, "Redbelt," marks his tenth as writer/director. It is set in the Los Angeles fight world and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The film tells the story of a Jiu-Jitsu teacher (Ejiofor) who has avoided the fight circuit, choosing instead to pursue an honorable life by operating a self-defense studio. But faced with debts, he has to step into the ring.

Wearing his trademark black beret and an impressive belt and buckle, Mamet spoke to Reuters about making the film and his love of Hollywood.

Q: Is it true this film was inspired by your own love of Jiu-Jitsu?

A: "Yes, I've been practicing it for the past five years and I've always been into this kind of sport. I wrestled in high school and boxed a bit and I've always liked martial arts. Later on I did kung fu, and then when I came out to Hollywood my good friend Ed O'Neill introduced me to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It keeps me in great shape."

Q: What made you cast Chiwetel in the lead? He's not well-known or a big star?