David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow is a play that explores the cut-throat world of Hollywood and the power dynamics that exist within it. The play follows the story of two movie producers who are presented with a potentially lucrative opportunity, but must navigate their own personal ambitions and the influence of a seductive temp assistant. In this article, we will provide a summary of the plot and examine the themes and characters that make this play a classic piece of American theatre.
Overview
David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow is a play that explores the cutthroat world of Hollywood and the lengths people will go to achieve success. The play follows the story of Bobby Gould, a newly appointed head of production at a major film studio, and his colleague Charlie Fox, who is desperate to pitch a new blockbuster film to him. However, their plans are derailed when Karen, a temporary secretary, enters the picture and offers a different perspective on what kind of films should be made. The play delves into themes of ambition, greed, and the corrupt nature of the entertainment industry. Through its fast-paced dialogue and intense character interactions, Speed-the-Plow offers a gripping and thought-provoking look at the world of Hollywood.
Act One
Act One of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow sets the stage for the rest of the play. The audience is introduced to the two main characters, Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox, who are Hollywood producers trying to secure their next big hit. The play opens with Charlie pitching a new script to Bobby, but Bobby is more interested in a potential deal with a big star. As they discuss their options, their secretary Karen enters the room and catches Bobby’s attention. Karen suggests a different script, one that she believes will be a surefire success. Bobby is intrigued and decides to read it, but Charlie is skeptical. The act ends with Bobby and Charlie debating the merits of the two scripts, setting up the conflict that will drive the rest of the play.
Scene One
Scene One of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow sets the stage for the rest of the play. The scene opens with two Hollywood producers, Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox, discussing a potential movie deal. Bobby is excited about the prospect of producing a big-budget action film, while Charlie is more interested in a low-budget art film that he believes will be more profitable. As they debate the merits of each project, their conversation is interrupted by Karen, Bobby’s new temporary secretary. Karen is eager to impress Bobby and offers her own opinion on the movie projects. Bobby is immediately taken with Karen and invites her to dinner that night. Charlie is skeptical of Karen’s intentions and warns Bobby to be careful. The scene ends with Bobby and Karen leaving the office together, leaving Charlie alone to ponder his own career prospects.
Scene Two
In Scene Two of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow, the tension between the two main characters, Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox, continues to escalate. Bobby, a newly appointed head of production at a Hollywood studio, is presented with a potential blockbuster script by his temporary secretary, Karen. However, Charlie, Bobby’s longtime colleague and friend, is skeptical of the script’s commercial viability and urges Bobby to instead greenlight a surefire hit. As the two argue over the merits of the respective projects, Karen’s presence and influence on Bobby’s decision-making becomes increasingly apparent. The scene ends with Bobby agreeing to read Karen’s script, much to Charlie’s dismay.
Scene Three
In Scene Three of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow, the tension between the two main characters, Bobby Gould and Charlie Fox, reaches its peak. Bobby, who has just been promoted to head of production at the film studio, is presented with a new script by his temporary secretary, Karen. Charlie, his longtime friend and colleague, is eager to produce a different project, but Bobby is hesitant to take on anything that doesn’t have the potential to be a blockbuster hit. As the two argue over which project to pursue, Karen’s influence begins to sway Bobby’s decision-making. The scene ends with Bobby agreeing to produce Karen’s script, much to Charlie’s dismay. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the rest of the play, as the characters navigate the cutthroat world of Hollywood and the consequences of their actions.
Act Two
Act Two of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow sees the plot thickening as the characters’ motivations become clearer. Bobby Gould, the newly appointed head of production at a Hollywood studio, is faced with a difficult decision when his colleague and friend, Charlie Fox, presents him with a potentially lucrative project. However, Bobby’s plans are derailed when Karen, a temporary secretary, enters the picture and convinces him to produce a socially conscious film instead. As tensions rise and alliances shift, the characters are forced to confront their own values and priorities in a cutthroat industry where success is everything.
Themes
One of the central themes in David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow is the corrupting influence of Hollywood on the entertainment industry. The play explores the idea that the pursuit of profit and fame can lead to a disregard for artistic integrity and a willingness to compromise one’s values. This theme is exemplified through the character of Bobby Gould, a Hollywood executive who is more concerned with making money than producing quality films. Another theme in the play is the power dynamics between men and women in the workplace. The character of Karen, a temporary secretary, challenges the male-dominated hierarchy of the film industry and exposes the sexism and misogyny that exist within it. Overall, Speed-the-Plow is a thought-provoking exploration of the darker side of the entertainment industry and the human cost of pursuing success at any cost.
Character Analysis
In David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow, the characters are complex and multi-dimensional. The protagonist, Bobby Gould, is a Hollywood executive who is driven by his desire for success and power. He is willing to do whatever it takes to climb the ladder of success, even if it means betraying his friend and colleague, Charlie Fox.
Charlie, on the other hand, is a more sympathetic character. He is desperate to make a name for himself in Hollywood and sees Bobby as his ticket to success. However, he is also loyal to his friend and struggles with the decision to betray him for personal gain.
Karen, the temporary secretary who enters the scene, is the catalyst for the conflict between Bobby and Charlie. She is innocent and naive, but also ambitious and manipulative. Her presence forces Bobby and Charlie to confront their own values and priorities, leading to a dramatic climax.
Overall, Mamet’s characters in Speed-the-Plow are complex and flawed, making for a compelling and thought-provoking play.
Bobby Gould
Bobby Gould is one of the main characters in David Mamet’s play, Speed-the-Plow. He is a Hollywood executive who is focused on making money and advancing his career. Bobby is initially presented as a shallow and self-centered character who is more concerned with his own success than anything else. However, as the play progresses, we see a more vulnerable side to Bobby as he struggles with his conscience and the moral implications of the decisions he is making. Ultimately, Bobby’s character serves as a commentary on the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices that people are willing to make in order to succeed.
Charlie Fox
Charlie Fox is a Hollywood producer who is desperate to make a hit movie. He sees an opportunity when his friend and colleague, Bobby Gould, is promoted to head of production at the studio. Charlie pitches a surefire hit to Bobby, a prison drama with a big-name star attached. However, Bobby is more interested in a potential blockbuster with a big budget and a sexy lead actress. Charlie is determined to make his project happen and enlists the help of his temporary secretary, Karen, to seduce Bobby into greenlighting the film. As the three characters navigate the cutthroat world of Hollywood, their motivations and loyalties are tested.
Karen
Karen is a temporary secretary who is sent to work for Bobby Gould, the head of production at a Hollywood film studio. She is young, attractive, and ambitious, and she quickly catches the attention of both Bobby and his colleague, Charlie Fox. Karen is eager to make a name for herself in the industry, and she sees Bobby as her ticket to success. She flirts with him and tries to manipulate him into greenlighting a passion project that she has brought to him. However, as the play progresses, Karen’s true motives are called into question, and it becomes clear that she is not as innocent as she seems.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow. One of the most prominent symbols in the play is the Hollywood film industry itself. The characters in the play are all involved in the industry, and their actions and decisions are driven by the desire for success and fame. The industry is portrayed as a cutthroat and ruthless world where people are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.
Another symbol in the play is the book that Karen brings to Bobby. The book, which is about radiation and its effects on the environment, represents the idea of morality and the consequences of one’s actions. Bobby initially dismisses the book, but later becomes obsessed with it, suggesting that he is beginning to question the morality of his job and the industry as a whole.
The final symbol in the play is the title itself, “Speed-the-Plow.” The phrase comes from a traditional English folk song about plowing fields quickly to get the job done. In the context of the play, it represents the pressure and urgency that the characters feel to make decisions quickly and get their projects approved. The title also suggests the idea of destruction and the consequences of moving too quickly without considering the long-term effects.
Overall, the use of symbolism in Speed-the-Plow adds depth and complexity to the play, highlighting the themes of morality, ambition, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Criticism and Reception
David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While some have praised the play for its sharp dialogue and exploration of Hollywood’s cutthroat culture, others have criticized it for its lack of character development and shallow portrayal of women.
One of the main criticisms of the play is its portrayal of Karen, the temporary secretary who manipulates the two male protagonists. Some have argued that Karen is a one-dimensional character who exists solely to serve the male characters’ desires and ambitions. Others have defended her as a complex and nuanced character who challenges the male-dominated power structures of Hollywood.
Despite these criticisms, Speed-the-Plow has remained a popular and influential play in the world of theater. It has been performed on Broadway and in theaters around the world, and has been adapted into a film and a television movie. Its exploration of the dark side of Hollywood and the human desire for success and power continues to resonate with audiences today.
Adaptations
One of the most notable adaptations of David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow was the 1988 film version directed by Tony Scott. The film starred Sean Penn, Madonna, and Charlie Sheen in the lead roles. While the film stayed true to the play’s basic plot, there were some notable changes made to the characters and their motivations. For example, Madonna’s character Karen was given a more prominent role in the film, and her relationship with Bobby was explored in greater detail. Additionally, the film’s ending was slightly altered from the play’s original ending. Despite these changes, the film was generally well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it remains a popular adaptation of Mamet’s work to this day.
Legacy
David Mamet’s Speed-the-Plow is a play that has left a lasting legacy in the world of theater. It premiered on Broadway in 1988 and has since been performed countless times around the world. The play’s exploration of the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry and the moral dilemmas faced by those within it has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
One of the play’s most enduring legacies is its impact on the careers of its cast members. The original Broadway production starred Joe Mantegna, Ron Silver, and a young Madonna, who was making her Broadway debut. The play helped to establish Mantegna and Silver as leading actors, and Madonna’s performance was praised by many critics.
Speed-the-Plow has also had a lasting impact on the way that theater is produced and marketed. The play’s fast-paced dialogue and intense subject matter have influenced many playwrights and directors in the years since its premiere. It has also been adapted into a film and a radio play, further cementing its place in the cultural canon.
Overall, Speed-the-Plow is a play that continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists. Its legacy is a testament to the power of Mamet’s writing and the enduring relevance of its themes.