While I generally agree with Brantley’s post, I feel obliged to point out that he’s conflating “technique” with “style”. That Mamet’s plays are written with a particular style in mind (consisting largely of the pace of the dialogue,) they do not dictate the actors’ technique; conversely, using Mamet’s acting technique does not necessitate performing a scene in a particular style.
If Mamet’s technique suits his plays, it’s because his plays are (mostly) well-written stories, and his acting technique is an effective means for bringing a story (any story) to life.
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