Toback Vs. Mailer: The Incident

Directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, this punchy short features James Toback recounting a bizarre, years-long rivalry sparked by a drunken argument with Norman Mailer over bourbon versus Scotch—an ego duel that escalates from boozy barbs to a tense Jets–Browns stare-down and a few jabs to the gut. A brisk, first-person tale of bravado, celebrity circles, and the fine line between literary legend and street-corner scuffle.

Cast & Crew

Director

Benny Safdie

Director

Josh Safdie

James Toback

Self (voice)

Michael Chaiken

Self (voice)

Hailey Benton Gates

(voice)

Larry Sloman

(voice)

Jacob Perlin

(voice)

Buddy Duress

The Waiter (voice)