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Speed the Plow: A Scathing Satire on Power and Corruption in Hollywood

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Speed-the-Plow: A Play

by David Mamet

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	94 pages

In the glamorous and cutthroat world of Hollywood, power and greed often collide, creating a toxic brew of ambition and corruption. David Mamet's searing play, "Speed the Plow," exposes the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, offering a scathing indictment of the corrosive effects of unchecked power and the relentless pursuit of wealth.

With its sharp dialogue and incisive wit, "Speed the Plow" delves into the moral dilemmas faced by three characters as they navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood power. Bob Gould, Charlie Fox, and Karen collectively embody the ambition, greed, and soul-searching inherent in navigating the cutthroat world of cinema.

Characters

Bob Gould: A ruthless and ambitious producer, Bob is driven by an insatiable lust for success. He is willing to sacrifice morality and friendship for his own personal gain.
Charlie Fox: A screenwriter who has sold out his artistic integrity for financial security. Charlie's cynicism and self-loathing are masked by a facade of confidence.
Karen: A young and ambitious actress, Karen is caught in the web of manipulation and deception spun by Bob and Charlie. She grapples with her own moral compass as she tries to navigate the treacherous path to stardom.

Plot

"Speed the Plow" centers around a script that Bob and Charlie have acquired for their production company. The script, written by a former pornography star, has the potential to be a blockbuster hit. Bob and Charlie, blinded by their greed and the prospect of financial success, decide to produce the film despite its questionable content.

However, as the production progresses, the trio's personal and moral boundaries begin to blur. Bob's ruthless tactics, Charlie's self-sabotage, and Karen's grappling with her values all come to a head, leading to a series of unforeseen consequences.

Themes

Power and Corruption

"Speed the Plow" explores the corrupting influence of power in the entertainment industry. Bob's amoral pursuit of success illustrates the extent to which individuals will go to achieve their goals, regardless of the ethical implications.

Greed and Ambition

The play also examines the destructive effects of greed and ambition. Charlie's compromises and Karen's sacrifice of her integrity for fame highlight the corrosive nature of these desires.

Morality and Compromise

Mamet confronts the moral dilemmas that arise when individuals are faced with choices that challenge their ethical values. Each character grapples with their own moral compass, ultimately making decisions that reflect their individual choices.

Critical Reception

"Speed the Plow" has received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp dialogue, incisive wit, and exploration of complex moral issues. The play's Broadway premiere in 1988 garnered rave reviews, with the New York Times hailing it as "a brilliant and scathing satire on power and corruption in Hollywood."

Over the years, "Speed the Plow" has been revived numerous times, both on Broadway and in regional theaters. It has also been adapted into a film, starring Madonna, Raúl Juliá, and Kathy Baker.

David Mamet's "Speed the Plow" remains a timeless and provocative play, offering a scathing indictment of the entertainment industry's darker side. Its incisive examination of power, corruption, greed, and morality resonates powerfully with audiences, making it a seminal work in American drama.

Through its sharp dialogue and complex characters, "Speed the Plow" invites us to reflect on the choices we make in the pursuit of success and the compromises we are willing to make along the way.

Speed-the-Plow: A Play

by David Mamet

4.6 out of 5