Word: shapely
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1970-1979
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Anyone is a utopian, says May, who believes "that when we develop a society which trains us rightly, we'll all be in fine shape." He does not agree that "it is society's fault that we are what we are." For one thing, there will always be strong individuals who will step forth from "the conditioned mass." Just as evil is a distinguishing characteristic of human beings, so too is the capacity to rebel, to fight against bureaucracy or loss of integrity. In man's relationship to society, May believes, a new ethic is needed...
...keep in shape, taking breaks only for a brisk midday walk. Today, at 56, he seems in superb physical condition...
...instead scuffs through the part with his own vagrant charm. He is given a girl friend, played by Jacqueline Bisset, one of the few young actresses who really can get by on looks alone; and a nemesis, Warren Gates, an actor who can always be trusted to shape a full characterization even from some sketchy motivation and a few scraps of dialogue...
...face up to "responsibility," embrace technology and efficiency, and pursue their dreams and pleasures privately. But Kinkade spices this somewhat bland concoction with bits of B.F. Skinner. What we are really trying to do, she says, is create a community following the instructions set down in Walden Two: first, shape the individual's desires and behavior by use of controlled reinforcements (that is, utilize reward and punishment) in order to create the ideal man: "productive, openminded, noncompetitive"; second, in order to give him happiness and a sense of freedom, rely only on positive reinforcement, not punishment...
Unfortunately John Costello, the director, fails to infuse the production with the rhythm and shape essential to all existential theater. Since there is little growth of plot or character, interest must come from an increasing intensity. No one in the Ex audience made it to the edge of his seat Thursday...