Arthur Miller

Posted by: Kevin-W on 11 February 2005

Is dead.

Possibly the best playwright of the 20th century - probably only O'Neill and Beckett could stake a similar claim - responsible for two exceptionally fine (and gratifyingly popular plays. (He was a hell of a lot better than Brecht or GBS at any rate)

Also - and this is important - unlike others (Elia Kazan for example) refused to name names in the revolting McCarthy circus. A talented, thoughtful artist who refused to grass people up - that makes him pretty good in my book.

Kevin

Posted on: 11 February 2005 by Berlin Fritz

Seconded

Posted on: 11 February 2005 by HTK

May he rest in peace. Our loss.

Posted on: 11 February 2005 by Willito

Miller was both principled enough to stand up to the committee, and talented enough to provide a condmenation that will live on in posterity in The Crucible.

I'm sure like many others, I first encountered Arthur Miller in school. Death of a Salesman was required reading. Though it contains many things, the theme of a man's search for (and need of) dignity is something that has always stayed with me. If you ever get a chance, check out Dustin Hoffman's performance as Willy Loman. While he didn't really work for me as Willy, his physical language is an unmistakeable protean form of his role in Rain Man. I don't mean to sound like that annoying guy on the actor's studio, but it is interesting to see the development of his craft.

Posted on: 11 February 2005 by Steve G

Very sad news. Death of a Salesman is probably my favourite play and I've seen some excellent productions of it over the years.

Posted on: 13 February 2005 by graham55

All that brainpower AND married to Marilyn! Respect is due.

G