September 29, 2025

#265 | Is ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ Better on the Stage or Screen?—David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Masterpiece on Greed, Morality, and What We Do to Each Other to Get Ahead

11 minutes

🎙 In this slight tweak on “Novel vs Movie,” Douglas Vigliotti explores David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross”, comparing its original play, the 1992 film adaptation, and the written script. Vigliotti discusses the story’s themes of greed, morality, and self-interest, emphasizing the unique power of Mamet’s dialogue and the story’s lean nature. Spoiler alert: he argues that reading the script offers the purest experience of the work. Vigliotti also reflects on the importance of separating art from the artist’s personal views.

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🗣️ Listen to episode #215 | We’re All Actors, No?—17 David Mamet Quotes That Will Make You Question Your ‘Role’ in Life!

🗣️ Listen to episode #230 | Is ’No Country for Old Men’ a Better Novel or Movie? Cormac McCarthy’s Masterpiece vs. The Coen Brothers Oscar-Winning Adaptation!

💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:

Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Host introduces the podcast, its mission, and the focus on "Glengarry Glen Ross" as play vs. movie.
Newsletter Reminder (01:20) - Brief mention of the companion newsletter and how listeners can subscribe for episode summaries and recommendations.
David Mamet’s Influence and Artistic Separation (01:50) - Host discusses Mamet’s impact, his works, and the importance of separating art from the artist’s personal life.
Background on "Glengarry Glen Ross" (03:30) - Overview of the play’s history, its Pulitzer win, and recent Broadway adaptation that inspired this episode.
Movie Adaptation and Cast (04:11) - Details about the 1992 film adaptation, its star-studded cast, and the addition of Alec Baldwin’s character.
Plot Summary and Themes (04:50) - Summary of the story, its focus on real estate salesmen, and exploration of greed, morality, and self-interest.
Iconic Movie Scenes and Quotes (06:44) - Discussion of memorable lines from the film, especially Alec Baldwin’s speech, and their cultural impact.
Play vs. Movie: Structure and Dialogue (08:02) - Comparison of the play’s lean structure and dialogue with the movie, emphasizing the power of Mamet’s writing.
Why Reading the Script is Best (09:15) - Host argues that reading the script is the purest way to experience the story, focusing on Mamet’s words.
Favorite Quotes and Final Reflections (09:50) - Host shares favorite quotes from the script and reflects on their meaning and personal impact.
Closing Remarks and Contact Info (10:43) - Host wraps up, encourages subscribing, shares contact info, and promotes his new book and the podcast newsletter.

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By Douglas Vigliotti

4.8

2222 ratings