Problem
Speed-the-Plow is a satirical play written by David Mamet. It is one of Mamet's most famous works, and one of several successful plays he has written about the movie industry. Filled with Mamet's trademark, rapid-fire dialogue, Speed-the-Plow focuses on the ruthless nature of Hollywood. Mamet was familiar with this environment, having written several produced screenplays in the 1980s. The title Speed-the-Plow is derived from an old English farming phrase which was used to confer good luck and a swift and profitable ploughing.
The play follows Hollywood producer Bobby Gould over the course of twenty-four hours, as he ponders whether to recommend to his boss another bad blockbuster-to-be, or put himself on the line for a film adaptation of a spiritually-centered novel about the apocalypse. Waiting for his decision are his long-time friend/fellow producer Charlie Fox and office temp, Karen, who is more than she seems.
The original 1988 Broadway production was nominated for Best Play and Best Direction of a Play at the Tony Awards.
Exercise:
For five points, please answer the following questions:
i. What is the setting? How does it relate to the conflicts between and within the characters?
ii. How are Bobbie Gould and Charlie Fox symbolic of the toxic masculinity of Los Angeles film industry?
iii. Who is Karen, and how does she factor into the main conflict?
iv. Does the play seem to offer any new twists or turns in its depiction of the Los Angeles film industry, or does it feel dated?