Death of a Salesman

Director Volker Schlondorff's version of the Arthur Miller play really hits on all cylinders. The mood, pacing, characterization and accuracy of Death of a Salesman are masterfully blended into a well-thought production. One underappreciated aspect is successfully incorporating a play into a film. Many times we have read a play only to watch a film version seem trite, forced or disappointingly unable to make the transition; Death of a Salesman doesn't have this problem, as many significant scenes, such as Biff's epiphany and confrontation with Willy, keep their power. Also, the key quotes from characters are given their moment. Unlike many other reviewers, I haven't seen the Broadway Production of Death of a Salesman, so I can't compare this one to any other production, but I think this version will hold up nicely to other successful versions.As far as the story itself, Death of a Salesman is a classic case for the failure of the American Dream. Willy Loman, an aging traveling salesman, is a tragic hero who loses touch with reality as he wavers between the present, 1942, and the past, 1928. Willy's tragic flaw is that he has false values that he takes as the proponents to success. Not only this, but he pushes these values onto his two sons, Happy and Biff. Willy's false belief that success in life can be attributed to personal appearance, being liked, and connections lays foundations for present day failures. We come to understand that Willy's glowing vision of the past is only an exaggeration for his idealistic hopes. Willy not only has visions of the past, but seeks the answers to life from his dead brother Ben, who, unlike Willy, was a success early in life. Much of Willy's success as a salesman is exaggerated; his false pride gets in the way of any transformation. Happy and Biff, because of Willy's outlook, are also lost in the world, lack identity, and represent failures. Willy has inflated Biff's ego to the point where Biff lacks responsibility, and, as a result, Biff can't hold down a job. The film investigates the negative aspects of having wrong values, and how it can destroy hopes of the American Dream. Although Willy's state of mind is quite fractured, Linda (his wife) and the two sons, for the most part, do not attempt to confront him or his suicidal tendencies, ignoring the problem and thus emphasizing false perception. Biff, however, is the one character who finally wakes up and challenges Willy's views, and "sees the light" about the lie he's been living. Death of a Salesman proposes that having the wrong dreams can lead to tragic results.A great job was done assembling a cast that really made this play come to life. Dustin Hoffman really gives the edginess to Willy Loman, yet he also makes Willy a sympathetic character, one who you feel sorry for by the time the credits are rolling. The other actors also do solid work. A young John Malkovich does a commendable job as Biff Loman, the one who Willy has high hopes for.Also included within the DVD is Private Confessions, a documentary which sheds some light on background into the play and the idea of the traveling salesman. If you haven't read the play, this might be a good way to begin before viewing the film.Over all, this is an excellent job of bringing Arthur Miller's play to life. This is also is an exceptional resource for either a teacher or student who wants to use the film to help with the study of the play, which can be confusing to read with the various time shifts.Fantastic production! Definitely recommended!

This film is one I use in my classroom when I teach Miller to my college students. This play provokes response both positive and negative. Some come away with a complete misreading by attaching their " bootstraps" politics to the drama. Actually viewing the play in the manner in which this is performed helps dispel misunderstanding of Miller's brilliance in creating characters that are more than symbols but fully dimensional humans. I have seen many other versions of this play and read it many times, but these performances always arouse emotions when I view this play in class.

Another classic with a fantastic cast. This is an intense production that is so well done. Having seen it in the theater many years ago, this DVD brings it right on to your home screen.

I saw this on TV when it originally ran on HBO. This is the HBO restating of Dustin Hoffman's performance as Willy Loman which he had done the year before on Broadway, and it is, to my mind, the best performance of Arthur Miller's masterpiece. The staging is perfect, all the actors are excellent, and it is a brilliantly executed staging of what may be the finest play written in America.

I love it. I watched it when I was in school and knew that I just had to have it, own it for myself. It's one of the best movies/plays that could have ever existed in the world. I'm glad that I bought it.

An excellent version of this Henry Miller play with a very strong cast. Dustin Hoffman deserved an Oscar for his performance, which although provided by script that is strictly reality, produced a characterisation that was almost embarrassing and painful to watch.

Used for Theatre Class...this is a great version of this wonderful play. My students recognize the actors and appreciate the wonderful acting. High quality at a great price. A great tool for showing what great theatre is. Arrived promptly and in wonderful condition.

My class had just read the play, and this helped pique their interest. In fact, a lot of students DIDN'T like Hoffman's portrayal, but loved Malkovich as Biff. This led to a project on how they would interpret Willy differently, which gave them quite a deal of work from one little play!

Unfortunately,coming rom USA, I didn't realise it wouldn't play on UK equipment.My fault.

Wonderful performance by Dustin Hoffman enhances this American classic. Tragic and heartwarming all at once.

Item was as described

Great movie. Stays true to the play.

Great movie.