This edition contains the definitive versions of these works, a foreword in which Rabe examines the interwoven relationship of the plays, and an afterword in which he discusses the process of their construction.
The realism of the dialog makes this a difficult read, however, I appreciate the naturalism it creates. Half way through it I learned Christopher Walken originated the character of Mickey. Imagining him in the role gave new depth to it. The subject matter and environment is hard to stomach at times, but not the worst of Rabe's work. And by worst, I don't mean bad, I just mean - hard to watch/read.
I have heard there is a wonderful film of this play, I plan to add it to my netflix.
was a big fan of gary shandling. heard he was in recent movie. rented it. hated it. idiots babbling and awful behavior. this was either before i lived in la, or before la sunk in. the author's afterward is pretentious, but he's got good commentary in the play. reading it is a much better pace to absorb, now i can probably appreciate the movie. although i hate sean penn, he is totally eddie. intermixing the acts of the two plays for chronological continuity was also interesting.
I hadn't read Those the River Keeps, and seeing it play out was even wilder than when I first read Hurlyburly, but they're both still very good and powerfully crazy.