Said before about only being acquainted with Arthur Miller recently, without computing at that moment (a momentary memory lapse, have had a lot of those lately) about having seen this National Theatre Live production of 'A View from the Bridge'. It was on this site where my memory was jolted when it appeared in the more like this section reviewing other productions from the National Theatre Live series.
Managed to find the notes in an old notebook written down after watching the live screening of this 2015 production, and am kicking myself about forgetting how incredible this production is, and there is no excuse for this. While not finding it quite as powerful or as accessible as 'All My Sons' (saw this in the cinema as another live screening from the National Theatre Live series and was blown away), 'A View from the Bridge' is a great representation of why Miller is one of the greatest non-Shakespeare playwrights. It is an emotionally rich play, with richly drawn characters, a theme that is still quite relevant today and very hard hitting and thought-provoking dialogue.
Despite being a minimalist production (am not always a fan of minimalist productions but it is wholly dependent on how it's done and whether it adds anything), it is atmospheric and the dark simple look wasn't at odds with the play's themes. The costumes are also fitting with the setting. the intimate yet never too static, over-reliant-on-close-ups or chaotic photography makes it more interesting. Looking up close, it is detailed in a way that represents the American dream not being as it seems on the surface.
The direction is continually gripping and gets the intensity and emotion of the story just right, the best moments electrifying. Am aware that Ivo van Hove can be a controversial director, but to me there isn't anything controversial about this production of 'A View from the Bridge'. Though perhaps not everybody will like that the production values are minimalist (which weren't a problem with me) and may question why. The soundtrack is suitably ominous in an understated way.
Like what was said for 2017's 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf', now that epitomises the term emotional roller coaster, this production of 'A View from the Bridge' is not an easy watch, unsettles the viewer and is exhausting emotionally. None of that is meant in a bad way, that's how a production of the play should be. The staging is interesting, simple and reliant on the skill of the cast. The denouement left me absolutely shell-shocked.
Have no issues with the cast, headed by Mark Strong. Strong extraordinarily embodies Eddie, and despite Eddie being so reprehensible Strong managed to make me feel some sympathy towards him. Phoebe Fox has the even more complex role of Catherine, and is equally vivid in being both no-nonsense and affecting. Nicola Walker is touching too and Emun Elliott holds his own.
Altogether, incredible. 10/10
