Death of a Salesman (Broadway Theatre Archive)
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Movie Reviews of Death of a Salesman (Broadway Theatre Archive)
Movie Review: Overwhelming
Summary: 5 Stars
I have always considered "Salesman" the greatest American play and saw the original production when I was only 15 and was floored. But, even allowing for my then easily impressionable age, I still believe I saw, as near as possible, theatrical perfection. Since then there have been many hundreds (thousands?) of productions including some excellent "revivals". But this is as close as you can get to that original production. Although the script was altered a bit because of tv constrictions, the power of the play shines through and you have the amazing performances of the original Willy and Linda Loman and a fine supporting cast. This is a must for anyone interested in the theatre whether playwriting, production, ot acting.Movie Review: Amazing Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Having assembled the vast majority of Broadway Archives and even classic movies, modern and B&W alike.......this along with Jason Robards in "The Iceman Cometh" simply stand alone.
After watching Lee J. Cobb in 12 Angry Men, On the Waterfront, certainly you can understand why he was one of the great character actors of his day. But this performance stands alone from anything I have ever seen and heard. It is as powerful, as resonate, as skilled a performance as one can expect. It is said that when an actor can make you feel his pain, his suffereing, think his thoughts beyond the words...that is what happens here, it transcends the work itself almost.
I have seen many and heard many versions of this play (George C. Scott, Dustin Hoffman, Brian Dennehy, Frederich March, even Paul Douglas on cassette), but this creation of Willy Loman belongs only to Mr. Cobb.
The supporting cast is stellar, but they do revolve around this tragic truly American character, akin perhaps even to King Lear in a sense. No one can heap to much praise for this production, you might as well start at the top if you're going to watch the American Stage on DVD in your home. I don't know that we can expect to see something this powerful again. It is that good.
Movie Review: NOT WILLIE'S TIME
Summary: 5 Stars
Arthur Miller had a good ear for the foibles and traumas of the ordinary people of the old middle class put up against the wall in a world that was dramatically changing after World War II. The time of the man in the gray flannel suit and the victory of corporate culture that destroyed the old independent professions was not Willie Loman's time. In this play, seemingly only about the trials and tribulations of Everyman Willie Loman a used up salesman at the end of his career, the underlying tension is that he cannot keep up with those changes and therefore has to be discarded. This has a fallout effect on his personal life as well. He does not understand what has happened to destroy the integrity of his dysfunctional nuclear family. The old standards that had guided him do not stand up in the new suburban-dominated world where he must try to survive. Obviously there is some dramatic tension between him and his sons who have in their own way nothing but contempt for the old man, his old ways, his illusions and his duplicity. But also, as is always the case with rebellious children, love, at least their conception of it, as well. That this is not good enough to save him in the end is one of the lessons to be learned from the play. Read the play and see the Lee J. Cobb version of the movie. Cobb is Willie Loman.
Movie Review: Mr. Cobb absolutely riveting.
Summary: 5 Stars
Seeing Lee J. Cobb as Willy Loman in this David Susskind produced version is as close as possible to seeing the original play on Broadway, and a far sight better than just about any live production one could find nowadays.
Mr. Cobb's performance is so absorbing, so powerful and so disturbing, that we, (the audience) feel genuinely dazed at its conclusion. It's as though, by the time of the final scene, that we too, are attending Willy's funeral, and all stumble away drained and awed.
The supporting cast are each and all superb, with Mildred Dunnock probably topping anything else in which she has appeared. Set design is also inventive in its combination of abstract and realistic interiors and exteriors.
As to the character of Willy, it is to Mr. Cobb's credit, that for all of his past moral compromises and shabby aspirations, the most honest of us, will admit that we recognize something of ourselves in him.
Theater and television at its best! Thank you Mr. Susskind. (Also interesting to note Karen Steele relegated to a bit role while still such a young woman--what a step down from "Marty.")
Movie Review: A Masterful Work and Presentation by Cobb
Summary: 5 Stars
An insightful play about the realities of life. Cobb gives a standup performance in this classic play equal to none. Actors of his caliber are few and far between. Simply the best performance of this play to date. Lee becomes Willy in a somewhat scary portrayal. It is hard to tell the difference between Lee and Willy. Highly Recommend this version to serious theatre affcianados.
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