Angels in America
#150057 - 02/14/05 03:53 PM
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Vicam
Reged: 02/24/04
Posts: 1955
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Has anyone seen this movie/miniseries? I just finally watched it on DVD, and thoroughly enjoyed it although it was a bit heavy. I watched it alone though (not my bf's cup of tea) and don't know anyone else who's seen it, and would love to hear other's take on it. It was a little confusing after all 
Kelly
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Hi Kelly,
I've actually taught the play before (pretty much the same as the movie, Kushner adapted it) and I've seen the movie. It's one of my favorite plays- I spent all day at the theatre watching it my 17th birthday (I'm a big geek). What part did you find confusing? I'd be happy to discuss it!
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Glad to hear you enjoyed it! Mainly, I was confused as to why the Angel of America was black when she returned, and why she was angry with Prior. I also didn't really understand why Prior had to wrestle her, or why the Angel and Meryl Streep's character were together. Also, did the play elaborate at all on Pitt's character (i.e. what happened to him after Harper left?).
Was the play done all at once on the stage? Just seems like it would be incredibly long. Did they break it up into two parts? I would have loved to have seen it live
Kelly
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Hmm... some of these are things I've forgotten that were specific to the movie. Here's what I think though- Prior had to wrestle the angel because it was a biblical illusion to Jacob wrestling the angel (which happens in Genesis). Jacob wrestles with the angel and secures a blessing- in Prior's case the blessing he wants and gets is more life. I think there's something in there about how God has started ignoring the world and humans and Prior is making sure the angel absolutely cannot ignore him.
And the play doesn't say anything more about what happens to Joe after Harper leaves him. I think Kushner secretly likes Harper more than Joe and so he doesn't care.
The other questions I'm not sure on-- it's been awhile since I watched the movie. I have it taped though, so I'll watch it again!
And yes! It is long! The play was first written in two parts, Millenium Approaches and Peristroika. Usually they do them in repertory so you can go for two 3.5 hour evenings. But sometimes they do them all in one day for the die hards, with a dinner break in between. I've actually seen the show in its entirety twice. Once by the national touring company (phenomenal) and once by a local theatre in Indianapolis (not so good). If you get the chance, you should go. The movie is beautiful but it loses something- I liked it much better when the staging was simplistic and I could just focus on the fabulous acting. 
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I was actually reading the play today while in the DR's office. It truly is an amazing story. I watched the entire mini series and enjoyed it a lot. I would give my left arm to see it live. I am a die hard theatre geek myself. I am a Renthead and I love Wicked and lots of other musicals... WAAAAAAAY too many to list. Theatre is just one amazing way to deal with this crummy way of life.
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Well, to be fair, whenever my life is crummy it is generally also BECAUSE of the theatre. But that's what happens when you go to grad school for theatre. Grad school for anything is apparently soul sucking. Some of my students were talking about Wicked, I'm interested in seeing it myself some day...
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