What a powerful movie. I've got it to hand it to Mike Nichols, for directing a real masterpiece. Also, kudos go to a magnificent screenplay from Tony Kushner. I laughed, I cried, I stared in awe. I had never seen the play before, and had only read a few articles before viewing the movie. I was not prepared for what transpired on screen. What a brutally honest portrayal of the early AIDS era, "Angels in America" is.
The acting was phenomenal. Most of the actors took on multiple roles. Jeffrey Wright gave a performance of epic proportions. I was completely mesmerized whenever he was on screen. What I enjoyed most from Jeffery Wright, was that his tone that he used with each of his characters, was always right on.
Meryl Streep was solid as usual. She does bitter and humor very well. I could not believe she played the Rabbi; I had no idea. As Mother Pitt, she became the heart of the movie - a mother figure too the characters.
Mary Louise Parker really blew me away. The scene in which she's totally naked, and says goodbye to Joe was amazing. Her character Harper lives in a über-reality world, where everyone is knowing and honest. She wants to see the goodness in everyone, despite the fact in doing this, she's miserable. I've always liked her as an actress, except for when she's on "The West Wing".
Emma Thompson as the angel was perfect. She gave the angel grace, humor, power, and heart, while not turning it into what could have been a cheesy performance.
Al Pacino was so uncomfortable to watch and listen to. It’s as if he embodied the evil in Roy Cohn to the tee. The scenes in which Cohn is visited by Ethel Rosenberg, are and obvious reminder of what goes around comes around.
Given the most difficult role, Justin Kirk is really what held this movie together. He was heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time. Although I thought his voice at times sounded exactly like Tom Hanks, which was a little unsettling.
Patrick Wilson was utterly convincing as the sexually confused Republican Mormon.
Ben Shenkmen made his character almost too unlikable. Although you see how Louis and Joe Pitt are attracted to one another, because they are both so self-loathing.
Reagan supporters should not have worried about the CBS movie, and worried more about "Angels in America." Scathing.
If this movie (or mini-series, I'm not sure how it's classified) does not win major awards next year, there is something wrong with the Emmy's.
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