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nextjamesrobert's review
5.0
I'm going to preface this review with the fact that I listened to the audio play by LA theatre works. That said, it was very entertaining. I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much only reading it, but the cast and crew did a lovely job. There's no deep plot here, but nevertheless it did a great job killing a couple hours and I had a few laughs. 5/5
antonio507's review
3.0
cool! first act didn’t grab me- pulled it together in the 2nd and 3rd. i found the idea of sincerity more important than the spoils of ambition. i was so engaged with this, in fact, that when Gould flipped against Karen i was shocked. does Karen’s ambition really matter? is Gould really doing this all for Love? i feel like he’s smart enough to accept that possibility, that Karen just wants to get ahead. the prospect of doing something good or honest outweighs that sort of emotional bribery. it made Gould come off like a bit of a schmuck.
Mamet’s dialogue can feel a little too abstract at points, especially in that first act. he’s still a really talented writer, though! he can really sneak those important structural details through with a memorable style. would love to see this or glengarry glen ross live. might have to check out more!
Mamet’s dialogue can feel a little too abstract at points, especially in that first act. he’s still a really talented writer, though! he can really sneak those important structural details through with a memorable style. would love to see this or glengarry glen ross live. might have to check out more!
juniore25's review
This is hilarious from start to finish!
I actually just picked up at random, wasn't even aware that it was about the film industry.
A head of studio with the power to green light one of the two projects. Entertainment vs. Art.
Maybe it's a little of a hot topic to have a Studio Head chasing tail with the temporary office secretary.
David Mamet's witty dialogue it's fascinating, it's hilarious, it's economical and engaging through-out.
I actually want to see this performed live! I was holding my laughter reading this at my coffee shop.
Recommended and a very easy read!
I actually just picked up at random, wasn't even aware that it was about the film industry.
A head of studio with the power to green light one of the two projects. Entertainment vs. Art.
Maybe it's a little of a hot topic to have a Studio Head chasing tail with the temporary office secretary.
David Mamet's witty dialogue it's fascinating, it's hilarious, it's economical and engaging through-out.
I actually want to see this performed live! I was holding my laughter reading this at my coffee shop.
Recommended and a very easy read!
deandeffett's review
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
mrsbond's review
2.0
Highly recommended by a dear cousin who loves theater. I really didn't like Speed-the-Plow at all, but then again I don't enjoy theater all that much. Nor do I enjoy 99% of what comes out of Hollywood (the personalities and their products), so a look at the people of Hollywood had little chance with me. There were a few snappy one liners on what one could do with insane wealth (besides cash for kindling, of course). Oh well, at least I gave it a try!
nickdouglas's review
5.0
I will now convince Cole to write a story with me around this sort of relationship—a longterm bond, bogus graces passed between the two, simmering competitiveness but cooperation.
benjfleck's review
2.0
Speed-the-Plow: Or, Assholes in Hollywood
This play tackles the artful and deceitful world of "dealmaking" in Hollywood. It's a 3-person play and reads quickly. That being said, the play does not go anywhere surprising and I could telegraph from the beginning exactly what was going to happen. These people are awful and ruthless and "that's the biz, baby." But did I really care? No.
Like all plays, perhaps seeing them performed is the ideal setting. I'm sure the actors bring a different nuance to the material though I have no desire to see this play. I live and work in Hollywood right now, so rather would not see a story that is all to familiar too me. Ugh.
I also don't know what this play it trying to teach me. I learned nothing from it. Well, except, I learned Madonna played the part of Karen in the debut on Broadway. That's a bit intriguing. Alas...
This play tackles the artful and deceitful world of "dealmaking" in Hollywood. It's a 3-person play and reads quickly. That being said, the play does not go anywhere surprising and I could telegraph from the beginning exactly what was going to happen. These people are awful and ruthless and "that's the biz, baby." But did I really care? No.
Like all plays, perhaps seeing them performed is the ideal setting. I'm sure the actors bring a different nuance to the material though I have no desire to see this play. I live and work in Hollywood right now, so rather would not see a story that is all to familiar too me. Ugh.
I also don't know what this play it trying to teach me. I learned nothing from it. Well, except, I learned Madonna played the part of Karen in the debut on Broadway. That's a bit intriguing. Alas...
lan_string's review
3.5
He's usually so cynical that he's predictable, but Karen threw a nice wrench into that. I was a little surprised! Of course the ending is still needlessly pessimistic and opaque, and the only female character is a moralistic, overzealous harpy, but at least it was in a different way than I initially expected.