http://thedirectorsector.com/2008/06/29/the-pillowman-a-question/ Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:13:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 http://thedirectorsector.com/2008/06/29/the-pillowman-a-question/comment-page-1/#comment-214 Ken Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:03:08 +0000 http://thedirectorsector.com/?p=94#comment-214 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. 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.

]]> http://thedirectorsector.com/2008/06/29/the-pillowman-a-question/comment-page-1/#comment-213 admin Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:07:13 +0000 http://thedirectorsector.com/?p=94#comment-213 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. 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.

]]> http://thedirectorsector.com/2008/06/29/the-pillowman-a-question/comment-page-1/#comment-212 Dave T. Game Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:01:49 +0000 http://thedirectorsector.com/?p=94#comment-212 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. 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.

]]> http://thedirectorsector.com/2008/06/29/the-pillowman-a-question/comment-page-1/#comment-200 Hans Meyer Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:14:21 +0000 http://thedirectorsector.com/?p=94#comment-200 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. 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.

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