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ianessent's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
kryptowright1984's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favorite Mamet quotes revolves around this play. When asked to defend the aimlessness of his characters in American Buffalo, he responded (I paraphrase here), "Would they have seemed any nobler if they'd succeeded?" American Buffalo showcases striving/ownership in its best and worst light, and it is easily my most cherished play of his (and I am not usually a fan). Never have his characters been more human and his insight more piercing.
quinn_eats_rocks's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5
I didn't like Act 1 but found it to have improved solidly in Act 2
I didn't like Act 1 but found it to have improved solidly in Act 2
greg_talbot's review against another edition
3.0
Skeletal, gritty, laconic, spacious, crusty, threatening, violent, whiplash, unclear...
Having missed a showing of American Buffalo earlier this year, I sought out the play to get an idea of what I may have missed. Similarly to reading Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot", I feel like there is a visual and pace aspect to the story that requires physical attendance. The two plays similarities with their absurdity, narration over action, and the sense of existential bleakness are here.
There is one piece of this story that really intrigued me. Mamet's writing is often praised for capturing multiple meanings behind simple prose. But there is this idea that worn on me the second half of the play about the economic value men put on their treasures. Whether it be Don's junk shop setting, or a nickel that sold for $90, or the way the men evaluate each other as friends or business partners; there is this ongoing sense that social bonds are mediated by profits. The characters lack of self-awareness, and lack of intelligence make the exploration of the theme limited --which might be a worth theme in itself.
There are things about American Buffalo I like a lot. I appreciate how vulgar and insensitive the play can be, and imagine these dialogues are much more riveting when performed. The play feels sure of itself...but there is so little to grab on to.
Having missed a showing of American Buffalo earlier this year, I sought out the play to get an idea of what I may have missed. Similarly to reading Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot", I feel like there is a visual and pace aspect to the story that requires physical attendance. The two plays similarities with their absurdity, narration over action, and the sense of existential bleakness are here.
There is one piece of this story that really intrigued me. Mamet's writing is often praised for capturing multiple meanings behind simple prose. But there is this idea that worn on me the second half of the play about the economic value men put on their treasures. Whether it be Don's junk shop setting, or a nickel that sold for $90, or the way the men evaluate each other as friends or business partners; there is this ongoing sense that social bonds are mediated by profits. The characters lack of self-awareness, and lack of intelligence make the exploration of the theme limited --which might be a worth theme in itself.
There are things about American Buffalo I like a lot. I appreciate how vulgar and insensitive the play can be, and imagine these dialogues are much more riveting when performed. The play feels sure of itself...but there is so little to grab on to.
alina_hookedon_books's review against another edition
1.0
I have no idea what I just read. This is definitly the type of play that needs to be seen instead of read. I was confused throughout this whole read but I hope to see it live someday to hopefully better my judgement of this play.
brandonpytel's review against another edition
4.0
The American Dream turned violent, Mamet sets up three rough characters preparing for a burglary on a coin collection. The dialogue is sharp, profane, and ridden in a blue-collar overtone that helps to define the other side of the American Dream. After much deliberation, loyalty and integrity in business and friendships are pushed to the breaking point, and the preparation turns violent, fringing on dangerous. Doubting and questioning each other, madness surfaces and the three men never end up carrying out their original plan.