Toback Vs. Mailer: The Incident

Toback Vs. Mailer: The Incident

Betting, boxing, and boozing.

2016 · 6 min · ★ 7.0 · Documentary, Animation

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.

Directed by Josh Safdie

Your Rating

Cast

James Toback Self (voice)
Michael Chaiken Self (voice)
Hailey Benton Gates (voice)
Larry Sloman (voice)
Jacob Perlin (voice)
Buddy Duress The Waiter (voice)

Make it a double feature

27m together

Toback Vs. Mailer: The Incident

Question & Answer

Both from Josh Safdie.

More from Josh SafdieSee all →

Question & Answer

Question & Answer · 2020

Question & Answer

MovieDocumentary

The Safdie brothers go undercover to record an interview with Adam Sandler, the star of their film UNCUT GEMS.

The Weeknd: 103.5 Dawn FM

The Weeknd: 103.5 Dawn FM · 2022

The Weeknd: 103.5 Dawn FM

Live performance broadcast of The Weeknd's album Dawn FM.

Pee-wee as Himself

Pee-wee as Himself · 2025

Pee-wee as Himself

SeriesDocumentary

A kaleidoscopic portrait told in two parts tracing the life of the imaginative artist.

Thank You Very Much

Thank You Very Much · 2025

Thank You Very Much

MovieDocumentary

Andy Kaufman's provocative comedy often outraged audiences, challenging them to confront their own presumptions. Through never-before-seen footage and intimate recollections, filmmaker Alex Braverman explores Kaufman’s brief but impactful life and career. As the lines between performance and reality blur in our present age, Kaufman’s genius resonates more than ever.

Solid Gold

Solid Gold · 2013

MovieDramaComedy

A short observational piece by Josh and Benny Safdie, Solid Gold follows a gold-painted “living statue” (performed by Benny Safdie) working the streets and subways of New York—a compact study of street performance and the struggle to be seen, featured online via NoBudge in 2013.

The Neistat Brothers

The Neistat Brothers · 2010

The Neistat Brothers

SeriesDocumentary

Following Casey and Van Neistat, The Neistat Brothers is a autobiographical documentary following the lives and adventures of the two brothers. The series follows their travels around the world and New York as they tell their stories about six week chunks of their lives in their signature vlog-like style

Marty Supreme

Marty Supreme · 2025

MovieDramaThriller

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Good Time

Good Time · 2017

MovieCrimeThriller

After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Connie Nikas embarks on a twisted odyssey through New York City's underworld to get his brother Nick out of jail.

Monsters of God

Monsters of God · 2026

Monsters of God

SeriesDocumentary

Filmmaker Eric Goode follows his first love — reptiles — into the dark underworld of exotic animal smuggling. In this billion-dollar global network, everyone is chasing the ultimate prize, whether it be owning the rarest of species, claiming the biggest fortunes, or taking down the most elusive criminals. As he digs deeper, Goode uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors, and the dogged law enforcement agents on their tails.

Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems · 2019

MovieDramaThriller

A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

Telemarketers

Telemarketers · 2023

SeriesDocumentary

This docuseries chronicles the darkly comedic, unexpected 20-year journey of two unlikely office buddies, who stumble upon the murky truth behind the work they’ve been doing at a seedy New Jersey call center – persuading people to give money to charities – and vow to expose the crooked American telemarketing industry from within.

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God · 2023

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

SeriesDocumentary

Chronicles the life and death of Amy Carlson, also known as Mother God, a self-proclaimed spiritual savior who built a cult through her online manifestos and live-streaming sessions. As Amy's health declined, her followers believed her death would lead to her evacuation by UFO and salvation for humanity. Told through the eyes of Amy's devotees and constructed from the cult's archival footage, the three-part docuseries captures the perils of internet proselytizing and a conspiracy-driven faith.

Ren Faire

Ren Faire · 2024

SeriesDocumentarySci-Fi & Fantasy

When the ailing king of America's largest renaissance festival declares his retirement, an epic power struggle ensues between an actor, a former elephant trainer, and a kettle-corn kingpin to claim his throne.

The History of Concrete

The History of Concrete · 2026

The History of Concrete

MovieDocumentaryComedy

After attending a workshop on how to write and sell a Hallmark movie, filmmaker John Wilson tries to use the same formula to sell a documentary about concrete.

Togetherness

Togetherness · 2015

SeriesComedyDrama

Four adults nearing 40, living under the same roof, struggle to keep their relationships and their individual dreams alive.

Daddy Longlegs

Daddy Longlegs · 2010

MovieDramaComedy

After months of living a solitary existence, Lenny, 34, picks up his kids from school. Every year he spends a couple of weeks with his sons Sage, 9, and Frey, 7. Lenny hosts his kids within a midtown studio apartment in New York. During these two weeks, he must figure out if he wants to act as their father or be their friend. Ultimately, their trip upstate results in complete lawlessness taking over their lives.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter