Rating: 
Summary: The Lone Masterpiece of Motion Picture
Review: I first viewed this film in a college class of mine. It was just another boring, uninspired day of studying and curriculum until the teacher used this video for coursework. First off, the performances Malkovich and Hoffman give are absolutely superb, and the performance of the wife of Willy Loman has got to be considered one of the greatest of all time. Although I am unfamiliar with the official praise or criticism of the film (i.e. if it won any Oscars), months later I was discussing if there ever was such a thing as a masterpiece in American film. My friend suggested Citizen Kane - which I have not seen. Then I remembered this film, and it was clear to me that this must be considered proof that film is an actual Art form. I haven't taken the time to read the screenplay or view other interpretations so I'm not sure if it's the story of Willy Loman itself, or this specific retelling that is so great. Nonetheless, a film in deserved praise of 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: This version falls WELL short of greatness
Review: I just viewed the 1985 Dustin Hoffman version of "Salesman" and I have to say that this version is pretty bad in comparison to others. Dustin Hoffman portrays Willie like a little insignificant insect, not as a powerful demanding person. John Malcovich is offbeat as Biff, and Kate Reid missed the boat as Linda. This does not however, mean I dislike the play. THe play is marvelously written and is a classic. If you want to see the show done right, I recommend the Brian Dennehy/Elizabeth Franz version. THat one gets 4 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: "I am not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman!!" (4.5 stars)
Review: I was glad to find this DVD just shortly after reading the play. While I enjoyed reading it very much, I found the play to be very confusing. Just from the text alone it was hard to tell what was real and what wasn't. Seeing the film version of this triumphant play really helped a lot. "Death of a Salesman" is a sad and tragic drama that emotionally involves you from start to finish.Willy Loman is a tired and heart-broken salesman who no longer lives in the world of reality. Instead, he is trapped in his world of delusions. Each day that passes by seems to be worse and worse for Willy. He spends way too much of his time in the past when he needs to be focusing on the future. His wife and two sons have no idea what they should do for him as they know that he is heading towards disaster in this unforgettable drama. Like I said, to actually see this really made me appreciate the play more than just reading it from the text. It can get confusing when you only have the words, but when you see it performed it all comes together and make sense. The acting is terrific. Dustin Hoffman really does an outstanding job of playing Willy Loman. Not only does he just "act" the part out, he "becomes" Loman. I admit that I had my doubts at first, because I didn't see him playing the part. My doubts quickly fled from my mind after the first 10 minutes or so. Everybody else is also terrific as well. (Wow, look how young John Malkovitch looks!) I think the movie does a fine job doing Arthur Miller's play justice. The DVD is pretty neat as well. The picture quality is good, considering the fact that it is an old movie. The DVD also includes a feature length documentary behind the movie, which is really entertaining, and a still gallery. While it may seem like this DVD doesn't have a lot to offer, the documentary really makes it worth-while. "Death of a Salesman" is a powerhouse drama that hooks you from start to finish. Reading it is one thing, but to actually see it makes it much more enjoyable. If you just read the play from the text it can be pretty confusing at points. If you're looking for a great dramatic movie with great acting and writing, then this is something you should really think about checking out.
Rating:
Summary: Death of a Salesman
Review: I watched the movie for a class in college. When I first started watching the movie I was less than enthusiastic about it. I wasn't a big fan of movies based on plays, or Dustin Hoffman. Watching a movie about a guy losing his mind just didn't seem like it could be a good movie. However after getting involved in the movie and really seeing what it's about, I think it is a brilliant movie. Dustin Hoffman plays Willy Loman's part perfectly-couldn't have been any better. He does such a great job, you forget your watching a movie-everything seems so real. The way Willy gets involved in his delusions, most of them about him becoming a 'failure' in life and what he did wrong, really add a different perspective. Also, the way that the movie is done in a play like style with basic backgrounds really makes you pay attention to the acting. I think this is an excellent movie, with a brilliant plot and exceptionally talented actors.
Rating:
Summary: The Great American Tragedy
Review: I watched this film for a class. The dialogue and italicised action words were brought to life with epiphany-like energy. I had no idea that something taught in a college classroom could be so closely related to real life. Not only a theoretical approach to, but also a practical application of self introspection or assertive evalution of the people around you can be felt in this film's presence. There are a million Willy's and Biff's in this world. The sad truth of their inherited station in life gives an overall dim view of class and class struggle that is present in our country. Biff's willingness to "lay down" gives an air of relief and stablility to the hidden consensus we all know in our minds as "the meaninglessness of life." As some people say and most agree "life sucks then you die...so why try?" This film and play proves that the nuclear family unit gives meaning to the circular activities we partake in (survival of the family)...but eventually the overall traditions and togetherness of the family will dissolve, evolve or simply die out. In this play we see the family evolving out of misunderstanding and irrational goal setting into complacency and possibly alcoholism...Happy especially. As for the acting...it doesn't get any better than this. Take a Sunday afternoon and watch this film closely without objection or boredom. This film is a great example of "art meeting life." There is not much distinction between the two in this case.
Rating:
Summary: A stunning performance, a MUST see!
Review: I wish they would put this on DVD. I read other reviews saying things like Hoffman provides an "insect"-like portrayal of Willy... well, I think it's PERFECT! The chemistry between all the actors in this is incredible. I find it unfortunate that the popularity of this movie seems low, since many think Hoffman's shining moment is "Rainman" or something... though he was good in that, this is an ultimate performance. I particularly enjoy how the "live" stage feeling is used throughout the production, and you, the camera, are taken in to the Lowman homestead. I get chills EVERY time I see the climactic scene in the kitchen, and also the scene when Malkovitch grabs Hoffman's wrist & says "stop yelling at her." WOW. 5 stars for a stunning performance by all. Not a 'upper' kind of film, but certainly a deep and reflective one.
Rating:
Summary: A vivid depiction of the play!!
Review: I'm surprised nobody ever told me about this movie until I watched it last week?? Dustin Hoffman is terrific as Willy Loman; he conveys particular well, the emotions of the character. I really liked this movie. You should watch it!!
Rating:
Summary: A Classic - To be shown from generation to generation
Review: John Malkovich's portrayl of Biff is among the greatest acting performances in movie history. I've always thought that the hero of this play is Biff, not Willy. This version makes Biff the hero. Biff has the strength to tell his dad that he is wrong and has been wrong and untruthful with himself his entire life. Willy hears it but refuses to believe it. Stephen Lang's performance is also outstanding, as a son that tries to make things seem not as bad as they actually are. The climax between Hoffman and Malkovich is among the best confrontations in movie history. This film, on all levels, shows the things young people see, and the things that old people forget. The Death of a Salesman teaches us to be truthful with ourselves, to not blindly accept what our fathers' expect from us, and to have the balls to admit things when they are wrong.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as powerful as the novel...
Review: Miller's "Death of a Salesman" may be one of the greatest play of all time. It displays so much emotion in one man, Willy Loman, and his struggle in the business world. Unfortunately, the film version just doesn't cut it.
First, Hoffman is small and scrawny. Although Miller at first imagined Willy in such a way and his wife as hefty, his thoughts changed when he was imagining the play on the stage. Willy should be large, take up the stage because he is a larger than life character. Hoffman just doesn't cut it. Also, it seems as if the actors underplayed the roles. There wasn't as much emotion, sadness, anger. It was just...awful, not like how the play was intended to be at all.
Maybe I am biased because I watched this one after seeing the 1999 Broadway version with Brian Dennehy as Willy. And that was phenomenal, it was powerful, and the actors were extremely in key with their characters. Perhaps if I had seen this one first I would have thought differently. But, I honestly didn't think it lived up to the play at all.
Rating: 
Summary: Hoffman never gets under Loman's skin
Review: Perhaps that's because he's so obsessed with SHOWING US that skin. His performance is a dizzying kaleidoscope of affected, non-organic mannerisms and an unconvincing imitation of an old man's voice. His Willie Loman is like a cartoon character. I could never even get involved in the picture -- I kept watching Hoffman and wondering, "What was he thinking?" A very unconvincing performance. While Hoffman has given brilliant character performances in the past (Tootsie, Midnight Cowboy), this one unfortunately is a failure.
| 
