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Swann1719
Member
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Posted: Thu Feb 14th, 2008 04:26 pm |
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So from Cambridge I ventured last week for killer seats at a killer play - the quick but complicated Mamet send-up of Hollywood, Speed the Plow.
It was Jeff Goldblum, Kevin Spacey and some girl who was so seriously out-acted by the other two that it was a little sad for her. But Spacey and Goldblum have a blast in their two scenes together. I already knew that Spacey had a great presence on stage but man, Goldblum - the guy kinda always plays the same guy, the manic, insecure, panicky ironic guy. But the guy he always plays was perfect for Mamet.
Goldblum was a newly-minted Hollywood studio executive and Spacey his long-suffering underling who brings him a deal. Then the temporary secretary sashays in.
Three characters, three long scenes. 90 minutes, no break.
The play is really mysterious. Each interaction is multifaceted. Some lines mean about four different things. The characters are trying to tell the truth and trying to lie at the same time. Both to themselves and to each other. Spacey and Goldblum's performances got that, and played with it, and showed us the diamond. The woman's performance didn't, so her big scene was kind of boring.
Favorite Mamet play, anyone? Mine I think is still Oleanna.
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Sircmichaels
Member
| Joined: | Fri Dec 21st, 2007 |
| Location: | Amarillo, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 96 |
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Posted: Fri Feb 15th, 2008 02:35 pm |
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I'm not sure what my favorite Mamet play is, though I am jealous of your seeing Goldblum and Spacey. I saw they were doing Speed the Plow and would like to go but, alas, I have my own obligations.
Coincidentally one of my obligations consist of my directing Oleanna, of all things. We open the end of February. Not my favorite Mamet piece, but so full of layers it's wonderful.
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nic
Member
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Posted: Thu Feb 21st, 2008 12:07 am |
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Hey, don't be too hard on the poor lady in the play. I played in Speed a couple of years ago now... actually got knocked off the stage in the fight which went a little out of control. You try to retain your dignity with the seat very obviously out of your pants... but back to the lady. I worked with a very good actress and we pushed, pulled and argued over that part for hours. I just think it's under written and that the poor girl never has enough believable motivation to make the part fly.
The best Nic
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Proboscisbunny
Member
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Posted: Thu Feb 21st, 2008 02:43 am |
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| Let us not forget Madonna played the role on Broadway...and we all know what a great actress she is ;)
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