Glengarry Glen Ross

David Beard Nov 04, 2012 5 Comments

Last night, Kate and I went with our friend and colleague Elizabeth to see Glengarry Glen Ross.

There was a time in my life when I liked Mamet plays — it overlapped sharply with the time in my life that I liked Quentin Tarantino films. And while Reservoir Dogs will always have a place in my heart, that place has changed. I now think of it as one of many average “double-cross” movies, rather than a pressure-cooker of male aggression. But when I was a kid, oh man, it was all about the tough guys.

If you want something like the experience of seeing Glengarry Glenn Ross as performed at the Duluth Playhouse last night, but are not versed in the styles and tricks of Mamet, you might imagine the cast of Steel Magnolias playing all of the roles in Reservoir Dogs.

But maybe that hackneyed chick flick is the wrong point of reference. The ladies last night were tough, they were funny, they were subtle when they needed to be and coarse when the play demanded it.

Dude, if you missed this play, you missed out.

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5 Comments

Lawrence Lee

about 12 years ago 

I'm really happy you enjoyed it!

Claire

about 12 years ago 

I loved it. But then I love Mamet. House of Games is brilliant too.

emmadogs

about 12 years ago 

I have not had the pleasure of seeing Mamet on stage.  For people interested in film, Mamet is terrific.  Claire, you're right, House of Games is great.  Glengarry Glen Ross and The Spanish Prisoner are two of the best-yet- overlooked films if you have a couple of hours to be blown away. For Steve Martin fans, check out Spanish Prisoner.  I can see Mamet films again and again, and find new things each time.

Claire

about 12 years ago 

Oh, yes, the Spanish Prisoner is so excellent too! I agree with you, Emmadogs, I always find something new in a Mamet movie or play. I've seen House of Games maybe a dozen times. My favorite movie ever.

Lawrence Lee

about 12 years ago 

I concur with the recommendation of the Spanish Prisoner. It was a landmark role for Steve Martin who is not only serious in this part, but deadly serious. It was a movie that kept me guessing to the end and I still love going back and visiting the twists and turns of the plot, like a roller coaster you can ride over and over again.

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