June 29, 2008
The Pillowman - A Question
Has anyone read the play “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh? I’ve never seen it performed but I read the script recently, and man, is that a fucked up play or what? I’ve always enjoyed dark plays — comedies, tragedies, whatever — but this one takes the cake. I was thoroughly horrified throughout the entire script.
What’s the point of it? Is it just to be dark? Is it to show how irrational people can be, or how artists need to be careful about the stories they tell, in case someone can’t separate fact from fiction? Is it commentary on the whole video-games-cause-kids-to-go-on-shooting-rampages thing?
Seriously, someone help me out, cause I sure don’t get it.
4 Comments »
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I haven’t read it, but I’ve been fascinated by the reactions I’ve seen other people have to it. I’ll give it a once-over and get back to you.
Comment by Hans Meyer — June 30, 2008 @ 7:14 am
I saw it performed on Broadway (starring Jeff Goldblum and Billy Crudup) and it was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Maybe it just doesn’t read well.
Comment by Dave T. Game — July 7, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
I’ll have to do a re-read and see if i can find the humor in it. Personally, I was disgusted. Perhaps if I approach it as a dark comedy rather than as a serious piece it might be a little funnier. I’m hesitant to do a re-read though.
Comment by admin — July 7, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
I’ve seen it (the Broadway production) and have read it, and it is one of the darkest things I’ve ever encountered. It is mainly about (as I can tell) the purpose and value of art in a society, and what responsibilities an artist can be expected to bear concerning the effect of his work on others. But as dark as it is, since it’s written by Martin McDonagh, it can’t not be funny. He has a real gift for exposing the bullshit posturing of people on all sides. In this play, the authorities think they’re going to intimidate and control the upstart artist, but they’re filled with their own insecurities and petty jealousies, and are as victimized by their policies as anyone else; meanwhile, the artist may think he’s all about artistic integrity and will never bow to governmental pressure, but the fact is he’s scared shitless to be in this situation and doesn’t really want to be a martyr.
Comment by Ken — July 9, 2008 @ 7:03 am