The Iceman Cometh

Common themes in works by Eugene O'Neill are melancholia, alcoholism and death. Cheerful guy, isn't he?

The patrons of Harry Hope's bar anticipate the annual arrival of Hickey. But this year, Hickey tries to liven up the pipe-dreaming drunks which causes tensions to flare.

Damn, O'Neill, you're really a pessimistic person, aren't you? My point is also proven in Long Day's Journey into Night. I found the scenes between Parritt and Larry contain some of the most emotional dialogue I've read. Hickey teeters on the line of insulting and friendly. His statements are derogatory, but he saves his dignity and pride with his charming comments. This is the best O'Neill play I've read.

My Rating: ****1/2

BOOK VS MOVIE: Long Day's Journey into Night

I saw a review describing Tennesse Williams as "the greatest U.S. playwright since Eugene O'Neill". Being the curious person that I am, I decided to check out a work of O'Neill's.

The story chronicles one day of the Tyrone family. The members of the family are James, a former actor; Mary, a lonely housewife; Jamie, a struggling actor; and Edmund, who always seems to be sick. Each family member has a secret: they're all addicts. James. Jamie and Edmund are all alcoholics, while Mary is hooked on morphine.

The character of Mary Tyrone reminded me of A Streetcar Named Desire's Blanche DuBois, since both are women who live in their own little world and are on the verge of having a breakdown. The fact that the play is autobiographical (O'Neill is portrayed as Edmund) gives it a more shocking feel.

The movie was good because it stays true to the play. But did it really need to be nearly three hours long? In a word, no.

What's worth checking out?: I'd go with the play.