David Mamet and American Macho (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780521620642)

Why did Americans reject the British gentleman as their dominant model of masculinity? Why is a boy's relationship to his mother a crucial factor in shaping his masculinity? What and how do boys learn about what it means to be a man? Holmberg demonstrates how David Mamet's plays provide insights into these questions, and into the masculine malaise. Through the gangsters, businessmen, soldiers, sailors, athletes, frontiersmen and thugs he created, Mamet celebrates and criticizes American macho. The book provides close readings of Mamet's well-known plays as well as plays which have not previously received the critical attention they deserve, and includes discussions of recent films and unpublished film scripts that shed light on Mamet's attitudes to American macho. Holmberg also presents detailed analysis of Mamet as director of his own plays, which gives fascinating insights into the playwright's intentions through his instructions to actors on how to play a part.

Author: Arthur Holmberg
ISBN-10: 0521620643
ISBN-13: 9780521620642
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 02/02/2012
Pages: 322
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.41lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.20w x 0.90d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 12/01/2012