Bernard death of a salesman movie#

At the same time, his re-entry into the theater, acting in a challenging role in a contemporary classic, shows signs of attracting new audiences. This time, he and an author are in complete accord. From the first, the new production of ''Death of a Salesman'' has been one of thorough amity, with no disagreements such as those that have rocked some of his films. However, it is evident to me, as someone who has known the actor through a number of changes and crises, that this is a different, more centered Hoffman who is headed back to Broadway. As he says, with a smile, ''The 'book' on me is that I can turn a go project into a developmental deal.'' Though he insists his efforts are in the interest of the quality of the work, some who have worked with him question his motives, marking him as self- indulgent and ''difficult.'' He acknowledges past conflicts, and, as usual, he is not without his humor, even in this vulnerable area.

Bernard death of a salesman movie#

In pursuit of his goal, which he considers artistic excellence, he has had furious battles with movie directors.

Hoffman's company, Punch Productions, has a lineup of ideas and projects that should keep him busy until the year 2000.Р”В«ut for all the measurable success, he remains a man obsessed by his work, craving perfection and driven by private demons. His encouragement of a project is an assurance of major studio interest his name on a contract brings in money his name on a marquee brings in the audience. Income from both has moved him to a position of financial independence. Kramer'' and ''Tootsie,'' were both artistic successes - he won an Academy Award as best actor for the former, was nominated for the latter - and box-office bonanzas. In a career spanning 17 films, playing characters of remarkable diversity, he has given unfailingly good performances - even in his few lesser movies. Now at the peak of his profession, he is one of America's finest and most popular actors. To those, such as Miller, who have admired him for many years, it is a most natural giant step in the career of Dustin Hoffman. Now the cycle is complete: He is playing Willy Loman in ''Death of a Salesman,'' opening March 29 at the Broadhurst Theater. In his most recent film, he played an actor so desperate to work that he would do anything - even pretend to be an actress. Within three years, in his first Hollywood role, he was to become a movie star. By Mel GussowР”Р„RTHUR MILLER REMEMBERS: IT was almost 20 years ago and Ulu Grosbard was directing an Off Broadway production of ''A View From the Bridge.'' One day, the director said to him that there was a member of the company who should play Willy Loman in ''Death of a Salesman.'' The playwright looked around the theater - at Robert Duvall playing the leading role, at Jon Voight and the other promising actors who were rehearsing and hoping to make a breakthrough - and then realized that the director was pointing at the stage manager.Р”Р„ short, unprepossessing young man, the stage manager looked, Miller recalls, ''as if he had barely gotten out of high school.'' He was, however, an actor, totally unknown, but soon to make a vivid impression on another Off Broadway stage. Mel Gussow is a drama critic for The New York Times.