Every scene should be able to answer three questions: "Who wants what from whom? What happens if they don't get it? Why now?"
The correct unit of study is not the play; it is the scene.
The work of the director is the work of constructing the shot list from the script.
In Chicago, we love our crooks!
Luck, if there is such a thing, is either going to favor everyone equally or going to exhibit a preference for the prepared.
The Oscars demonstrate the will of the people to control and judge those they have elected to stand above them (much, perhaps, as in bygone days, an election celebrated the same).