COM 3950 FILM & PERFORMANCE
ANALYSIS PAPER #9 GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
DUE WEDNESDAY 12/1/04
The text of the stage version of GGR is posted on my homepage.
You are hired to direct a stage version of Glengarry Glen Ross and will be working with a cast of unknown actors. The cast is energetic and easy to work with, but at times seem short on experience. During the rehearsals for the play, you read the cast this "spine worthy" quote by David Mamet made at the time of the play's debut in the 80s.
"We are spiritually bankrupt -- that's what's wrong with this country. We don't take Sundays off. We don't pray. We don't regenerate our spirit. These things aren't luxuries, they're necessities for humankind, for modern men and women, just as they were for ancient men and women. The spirit has to be replenished. There has to be time for reflection, introspection, and a certain amount of awe and wonder. There are certain things we need to survive -- food, shelter, and spiritual security. We can't get along without it. But we've become so materialistic, so avaricious, that our capacity for love has become injured."
1. You ask each actor playing the following characters ...
WILLIAMSON
ROMA
LEVENE
MOSS
ARONOW
LINGK
... the following question: name 3 specific examples from the stage play and/or the film where your character shows the audience what it's like to be spiritually bankrupt (if applicable). Please note: you may cut and paste your examples from the script.
2. Since macho posturing plays such a large part in the action between these characters, name one possible "blind spot" (pg. 152 in text) or weakness for the character of a) Williamson? b) Levene? c) Roma? d) Moss? e) Aronow?
3. Some of the actors in your cast are consciously or unconsciously imitating the actors in the 1992 film version. How would you direct an actor that's trying to imitate Al Pacino's stage mannerisms and vocal stylings? What would you say to steer him away from simple mimicry and instead toward making the character of Roma of his own creation?