Death of a Salesman

As a theatre enthusiast, I can't even recall how many different versions of Arthur Miller's masterpiece I've seen in how many different countries.

But one thing I'm certain of is that this 2000 American TV adaptation of Arthur Miller's 1949 play of the same name, directed by Kirk Browning, is one of the most epic adaptations ever made, thanks to Brian Dennehy, who breathed life into the character of Willy Loman, a character I've never quite warmed to. The 7th Screen Actors Guild Awards and 52nd Primetime Emmy Awards successes are no surprise.

I still have a lump in my throat, and when it ended, I stood up and applauded at home.

Brian Manion Dennehy... When he passed away in 2000, he must have been welcomed in Olympus with a standing ovation. May he rest in peace.

I saw this play on the Showtime network and I loved it! The performances are great especially by Brian Dennehy and Elizabeth Franz (who won Tony Awards for their brilliant performances). Arthur Miller wrote an excellent book and this play is a story of a family battle, with an aging salesman who still wants to provide enough money for his wife and two sons. Sadly, it's not available on video, but if you see it, you're in for a treat!

Poor photography, at least as seen on Showtime, and a rather coy use of close-ups are the only things that spoil this photographed stage presentation. It is faithful to the spirit and letter of Arthur Miller's original script, and it is acted with sincerity and feeling. Willy Loman as victim is presented in straight-forward manner with no attempt to excuse the "system" by hints of madness.

I think over time this play will only become greater in its importance. This is an excellent adaptation/performance, Dennehy and Franz are magnificent, in fact the entire cast except for......Ted Koch as Happy. He is awful! I can't believe how much so. He is supposed to be an oily "philandering bum", yet Koch garbles and gruffs out his lines so that he comes across as an actor playing Popeye trying to act like Robin Williams. It sorta ruins the whole thing, as Haps character is so darn critical to the entire story. I will never be able to get past the Lee. J. Cobb performance anyway, but this is very very good. If you saw Dustin Hoffman back in the 80s almost ruin this play, you will be pleased at this revivial.

It's hard to get the full effect of how powerful this play is while sitting in one's living room. Death ... is an amazing story that really hits you in the theatre but loses its punch on the smaller screen. The performances are good, and the play speaks for itself however, Ms. Franz is the added bonus of seeing this version.