June 6, 1993
AMERICAN BUFFALO
Screenplay by David Mamet, based on his play
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
DONNY DUBROW, 50s, owns a junkshop, but in his heart, he is a professional thief. Last night, he held his regular poker party with a group of friends in the back room of his shop. This morning, BOB, a dimwitted junkie of around twenty, joins him to clean up the shop and prepare for the evening's robbery.
Apparently, a CUSTOMER came into the shop yesterday and purchased a rare buffalo nickel for ninety dollars. Bob followed him home and saw him leave his apartment carrying a suitcase. After reporting this information to Don, they decided to invade the wealthy customer's home and rob him while he's away.
TEACH, 40s, considers himself a professional thief. He shows up to discuss the job with Don. Teach is upset at GRACE & RUTHIE from the Riverside Cafe for being cheap. Don sends Bob out for coffee for him and Teach. While Bob is gone, Teach lets Don know that he thinks Bob isn't capable enough to accompany them on the job. When Bob returns, Don awkwardly pays off Bob for the information and excuses him from the job.
After Bob leaves, Don and Teach discuss the details of the job and wait for FLETCHER, another thief, to show up. Fletch is late. Don takes exception to Teach bringing a loaded gun along on the job. Teach tells Don that Fletch is a car cheat. Bob arrives and tells them that Fletch was mugged and is in the hospital. Bob also has a buffalo nickel he wants to sell to Don for fifty bucks. For a moment, Don and Teach think Bob mugged Fletcher. Teach hits Bob, making him bleed. Then, they find out Fletch really is in the hospital with a broken jaw. Bob wants to go on the job, but Don wants to call it off. Don and Teach argue. Bob confesses he bought the nickel for Don and furthermore that he really didn't see the customer leave his apartment, carrying a suitcase. Teach laments his life. Don and Teach decide to take Bob to a hospital. Teach goes out in the rain to get his car. Don helps Bob to the door. Bob apologizes. Don forgives.
Summary Criticism: The script explores the intense, multi-level relationships between these three characters. While several of the themes are dated, the characters are captivating.
American Buffalo (1996) - imdb
American Buffalo (1996) - wiki
David Mamet - wiki
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