Eugene O'Neill's (one of America's finest playwrights, up there with Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller) 'Long Day's Journey into Night' is a hugely powerful work and one of the greats of the 20th century. Being indeed masterful in character writing and character development and the emotion that pulsates throughout is intense and moving. The first act though may test the patience of first time viewers, with its deliberate pace and heavier emphasis on character and words than plot.
This is a wonderful production in every regard and a big example of how O'Neill should be performed. Of all the versions seen of 'A Long Day's Journey into Night', this is one of the best. It is perfect for anybody wanting to see a staged production of it as an alternative to film and television versions (i.e. The classic 1962 Sidney Lumet film). It is also true in detail and spirit to the play, while all the characters and interactions feel incredibly real in a story that is hard to watch unfold.
It is a visually beautiful production, especially the very striking and clever use of wood. Though not in a lavish way, but more of a not feeling like a home one which fits perfectly with the text. O'Neill's writing is hugely intelligent, thought-provoking and complex in the way the characters are written and interact. It is very heavy in talk, and it is very uncompromising talk, but it's the kind that is always crucial to every character, their actions, way of thinking and motivations.
Moreover, the production is deliberately paced, but actually never felt dull to me (even the early portions), in fact for me it flew by. It also has a big emotional impact, especially with Mary and how harrowingly she declines, both in a searingly intense and tear-inducingly moving way which makes it not an easy watch. The direction throughout is sympathetic and intelligent. The characters still are psychologically fascinating, as usual with O'Neill, they have been criticised for being unlikeable but to me they have always come over as very realistic (like the subject matter itself, so much so it hit home with me). While they have their flaws, then again most characters in most films do, they are so powerfully and intricately written that it was hard not to relate.
All the performances are never less than great and the chemistry sears. The best performance comes from Laurie Metcalf, who is absolutely mesmerising and truly gut wrenching. David Suchet gives a very authoritative turn as the patriarch of this dysfunctional family. Kyle Soller has energy but is also very moving, likewise with Trevor White as the family member that sees Mary's decline the clearest.
Overall, absolutely wonderful. 10/10.
