Epic and gothic -- the second half of Mike Nichols miniseries based on Tony Kushner’s play is fulfilling and maddening and wonderful.
Joe Pitt (Patrick Wilson, THE ALAMO) has left his wife Harper (Mary-Louise Parker, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES), who floats around in a Valium daze, to strike up an affair with Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman, ROGER DODGER). Prior Walter (Justin Kirk, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!) has been visited by The Angel of America (Emma Thompson, MUCH ADU ABOUT NOTHING), who wants Prior to become a prophet. Belize (Jeffrey Wright, ALI) worries about Prior’s struggle with AIDS and that he may be having delusions. He also has to deal with the foul nature of Roy Cohn (Al Pacino, HEAT), who has been secretly admitted to the hospital to treat his AIDS.
The first part of the series is a set up for the conclusion, which deals with issues of abandonment, living life to its fullest, compassion and friendship. The most interesting friendship the film looks at is between Prior and Joe’s devote Mormon mother Hannah (Meryl Streep, ADAPTATION). What I liked about the film is that it really doesn’t judge Prior or Hannah as good or bad guys, but rewards them for being themselves.
The acting is phenomenal across the board. Some actors play multiple roles. Streep also plays the ghost of convicted spy Ethel Rosenberg who haunts Cohn. Thompson also plays Prior’s nurse Emily. Wright also plays Mr. Lies, a vision that Harper sees when strung out on Valium. The film is life-affirming and bold. It makes you sit up and think about what you believe in and cherish. What could be better than that?
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
