Angels in America, a review - Brows Held High Classic

First uploaded on 11/30/2010. Back when I was still recording on DV tape and didn't know how to edit things. It's a very early video and so it's rough around the edges, around the middle, everywhere.
Still, I know a lot of people have a soft spot for this old video essay I did for World Aids Day, 2010. So here it is, slightly recut for KZbin, in all its flaws.
All third party clips are used under Fair Use.
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[@mikethegrunty5968]

Thank you for reuploading this so I can tell you how much this review means to me. My brother was one of the many MANY hemophiliacs to contract AIDS through factor ( the medicine he need to prevent bleeding). He sadly passed away back in 94. My mom has been trying to get me to watch this, but I was, frankly, afraid to. I didn't want to risk opening old wounds. Than I saw your review, and how you discussed and approached it and the subject of AIDS with grace and respect. I went back and watched all six parts in one sitting. It's now one of my favorite movies. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Much respect. And, of course, in the words of the prophet, more life.

[@ThePa1riot]

Mike White I am SO sorry about your brother. I'm a brother myself and I could not imagine what it would be like to loose either of them. God bless.

[@mikethegrunty5968]

Anthony Clay you to

[@dominicgamboa2554]

+

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Angels in America: The good version of RENT.

[@corhydron111]

3:01 I love how in 2010 the concept of binge-watching a series was still new and extraordinary

[@kathrynblakeley9823]

"Actors watch this movie like regular people watch porn" - Kyle K He's not wrong

[@pr0grammcsynth797]

"This disease will be the end of many of us, but not nearly all, and the dead will be commemorated and will struggle on with the living, and we are not going away. We won't die secret deaths anymore. The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come." Different disease, but relevant.

[@pr0grammcsynth797]

To the neo-Nazi who either has blocked my g+ account, or deleted their comment on a three month old video on a two month old comment who said that the gays are responsible for the aids crisis, may I say good job on your upstanding moral choices and your exceptional show of character.

[@tatehildyard5332]

What is this quote from? I haven't gotten around to seeing AiA yet.

[@NobodyC13]

@@tatehildyard5332 It's from Prior's closing monologue at the end of Part 2: Perestroika.

[@edgarbraintree4370]

@@pr0grammcsynth797 uhh , they kinda actually are though

[@troikas3353]

It's important for a community to reflect on the dark times of years past. To remember how they persevered in spite of it. With what lies ahead of us now, holding on to hope is no easy task yet it is more important than ever.

[@StellarJoe]

Thanks for re-uploading this, this is one of my favorite reviews of anything ever. I've been thinking about Angels in America recently. Specifically, Roy Cohn. Specifically, how Roy Cohn was Donald Trump's mentor. And how it feels like Roy Cohn's specter still haunts us.

[@Bauhauskiddo]

They were showing it on late night tv one day when my father and I were just lazily channel-hopping, and the day after we'd seen a short snippet of it, my father bought it on dvd. We watched it together, it was a great bonding experience between me and him. Thank you for making this review.

[@martinduplessis3614]

Roy Cohn also represented an obscure New York real estate mogul in a case involving different and unfavorable treatment of African-American renters. The aforementioned real estate mogul settled 'without admission of guilt'.

[@donaldkallgren94]

Thank you for reposting! Truly a classic. Timeless, and timely.

[@apizzathatgiantforthesimpl5191]

This is my favorite episode of Brows Held High. This play is incredibly personal to me and the ending makes me weep every time I watch or read it. Kyle, you did such a gorgeous analysis of the play/miniseries and your final monologue had me smiling and crying simultaneously. Thank you so much for the reupload.

[@rosebyanyname]

Wondering when this would come back!! Thanks Kyle!

[@Vampireprice]

Thank you for re uploading this. I've been thinking about Angels in America since Tuesday and it inspires me greatly. I hope to have the strength of my queer brethren who continually fought for their right to exist and love without fear. I think this play will be my bible going forward. I will draw strength from its pages as I join with others to change the world.

[@havencreatives2488]

this was the first review of yours I ever watched; all those years ago. thank you for reposting it, your passion in speaking on this is what always got me coming back for more.

[@wrywh]

I loved this review the first time, years later and serious illness has finally afforded me the 3 hours together that I need to sit and watch it all.

[@TheRealRobbBanks]

Luke Watson hope you have a speedy recovery

[@Super165i]

Tony Kushner played the Rabbi sitting next to Meryl Streep on the bench

[@itsjuanpacheco]

I love the timing of this video. People should watch this and understand life of the gay man. Thanks Kyle.

[@2010Wilde]

I just saw a live broadcast of this play from London's Royal National Theatre. It has Nathan Lane as Roy Cohn. It's such a beautiful play. Full of wisdom and hope. I would even dare to go as far as say that it's the 20th century and 21st century's answer to Victor Hugo's Les Miserables: It has great characters, great plot and so epic!! I definitely must see the mini-series. It's the sort of story that you want to hear, read or watch again and again.

[@moretar]

You deserve the best, Mr. Kallgren. Thank you.

[@rheaanthea]

yknow this might be the only one of your og episodes that I never watched, and I'm happy I didnt. Because I needed it now. Thank you, kyle.

[@Innugamiproductions]

Kyle, you need to stop being so hard on yourself for old videos. You were always amazing and striking, and with every upload are becoming more so. Keep up the great work, and don't be afraid to feel proud of it.

[@Jego747]

Thank you for posting this because I was ignorant of the significance of this movie and as I begin to expose myself to more artistic and classic films, it helps me to know what great things have been done in film

[@Eruidraith]

This is such an amazing video, and you absolutely did Angels in America justice.

[@brinlov]

I can't even explain how much I love Angels in America, it's so god damn perfect, and this is the first review I've seen on youtube of it. Great review! It's the first one I see of you so I'm deffinitely gonna see more.

[@wormswithteeth]

My intro to Angels was also seeing the HBO version. I was quite young to take in all the dense dialogue, but growing up gay I knew just how much of an effect this work was STILL having in queer circles. I still adore this. The music is especially moving as well as the acting. You've made me want to watch it all over again. *Side note* I loved the play so much, I picked highlights to perform for my A Levels at a Catholic college. I think that's a pretty big win!

[@patrickmchugh3330]

I was lent this on DVD and intended to watch the first hour or so before I went to sleep. Like you, I stayed up and watched the whole thing. It's being revived at the National Theatre in London (where it opened) next year. Can't wait to finally see it on stage.

[@2hopskipjump2]

Is it coming back to London?! I'm definitely going to get tickets, I've wanted to see the original play for years:)

[@hannahmoran2149]

Oh my god, this has always been one of my favorite videos of yours. Thank you so much for reuploading it. It's every bit as relevant today as it was six years ago.

[@elizabethpemberton8445]

I saw the play - both parts, over 2 days - very early on, performed by a professional company (Broadway touring?) somewhere in Minneapolis or at St. Olaf College, circa 1995, so I was 25 or so. The production was very simple, set-wise, basically just people talking, and still it was completely overwhelming. See the play live if you possibly can. The world has changed so much since then. We cannot and must not go back to the fear and hatred so many struggled to live through.

[@benkees8409]

I love that this is here, but it also reminded me that I want all the old episodes...I'd appreciate some help understanding Naked Lunch

[@SoleMan117]

Thanks for uploading this again Kyle, truly one of your finest works.

[@camilorivero]

Thank you for reuploading this! :)

[@troygaspard6732]

It was a play to end the 21'st century. I was lucky to see the first production at the Eureka Theater in San Francisco.

[@plumlogan]

if anyone is interested learning more about the history of AIDS there is a great Radio Lab that gets into the misidentification of patient zero and investigates exactly how the disease originated ... regardless of your political/ religious inclinations, it's a fascinating story

[@selenite1]

Yes, please do what plumlogan just recommended. It's a great episode that destroys myths that even now still circulate about the origin of HIV.

[@erikbrock5444]

Well, I know who I'm looking up if I ever need anamatronic wings done. Those things are gorgeous.

[@erikbrock5444]

Also please tell me that you're planning to put up the rest of your old stuff. I watched them all several times when I took a few film classes some years ago and I 've missed them since the Blipocolypse.

[@sataprescott7588]

Periodically I come back and watch this to remind me to keep fighting.

[@MB-io2lk]

This video is a wonderful analysis of a wonderful show. Legit teared up at the end. You truly are wonderful Kyle. Keep it up!

[@hemangchauhan2864]

I'm not an American, so I missed quite many references. Regardless, it's still very powerful when it comes to the AIDS portion. Loved it when I watched it a long time ago, love it now. Hope you upload your Melancholia video.

[@Michaeluj]

Yes! I'm always so happy to see another classic return and no longer be lost!

[@delishagallo3450]

Opens my heart even more..

[@Ronin11111111]

Man, I remember this one! Oh the good ol' days.

[@Super165i]

The real Roy Cohn also worked with Trump at one point

[@alexhalstead8824]

Finally, finally watched this today. Thank you Kyle for the wonderful review and endorsement! You're great at what you do. ❤

[@artemis7093]

I love you Kyle!

[@Aiijuin]

Thank you for this, Kyle. I needed this today.

[@smallspidersad78]

This is very appropriate considering the recent election. I hope people don't forget the losses of the LGBTQ+ community.

[@thehopeofeden597]

I came because of the beautiful Broadway revival with Andrew Garfield and Nathan Lane.

[@Zennistrad1]

Man does this remind me how much I miss the old intro.

[@TalysAlankil]

I'm so happy to see this review again!

[@aria5614]

Thank you so much for clearing up the differences between the mythos shown here and the teachings of my religion. It means a lot.

[@Forevertowander]

Real good, I think I missed it the first time around so I'm so glad you rereleased it. In the wake of the presidential election this is just as relevant as ever.

[@robertray2662]

So glad this is finally available to watch again

[@leonardomilani2985]

Kyle does art to the youtube critic genre

[@TheRealRobbBanks]

My personal favorite review! Thank you Kyle love all your videos but like i said this is my favorite

[@jedisquidward]

This is really something special. Not my favorite episode but possibly your best. It's flowing, confident, and flawless.

[@ZanneReid27]

oh to be in the year 2010 again

[@KhyrosFinalCut]

Reading this comment in 2020

[@bewilderbeastie8899]

Thank you for posting this now.

[@yugoxgc]

Personal gripes aside. I love this review. You never disapoint man :)

[@TheAyeAye12]

I have to thank you for finding out about masterpiece, actually; you mentioning it on your Cloud Atlas videos made me look into it, and it's now my all time favourite play (though I haven't seen a live production of it, yet, sadly) I'be been reading through it a bit lately, considering the political events of the past few days, as comfort. "In this world here is a kind if painful progress. Longing for what we've left behind, and dreaming ahead..."

[@brunilda12]

thanks for reposting! Love this review

[@kidlitfanful]

This is one of the videos that made me realize that KZbinrs could be very serious and deep.

[@rainbowphoenix1363]

The revival starring Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield is so so amaizng, the play is so amazing and you have to watch it and experience it

[@ThePonderer]

Yes! This is one of my favorites.

[@erikbrock5444]

Ten years. Wow.

[@MortMe0430]

Among many great and valued elements of this video, right now I'd like to thank you for adding "mental gymnastics" to my critical thinking vocabulary. Good stuff.

[@ThePa1riot]

One of your best reviews.

[@eanayac]

2:30 Goosebumps!! Thomas Newman!!!! Love your video, man! Thanks for uploading!!

[@ernestoA2]

If you are now planing to upload older videos, please upload your episode on the man who fell to earth. I loved that one ;)

[@ErinHeartpenny]

Such a fantastic epic. I get shivers just thinking about it!

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

I finally got the chance to watch this one - HBO Max has its benefits!

[@seanbridges3075]

Just finished the spiritual journey of reading this masterpiece for the first time, and I'm certain I'd never have done it if not for this review. Thank you, Kyle.

[@GaryDevore]

Very well done. Thank you for this.

[@Jillbles]

I've been disappointed in everything Justin Kirk has done since this. To know that he can do this, and see him play his character on Weeds, for example... *sigh* I read Millennium Approaches in Drama Lit in college, years before this film came out. I was obsessed with it. And the internet was in its infancy, then, so acquiring Perestroika was a challenge. Made the effort, though. And was thrilled when the movie was released, with its impressive as hell cast. Thank you so much for posting.

[@robertolie6798]

aahhh it's finally back officially :))

[@thomashester2]

Phenomenal breakdown

[@redsnake69]

The first time I watched it I was a sixteen years old guy ignorant of American politics and I was not prepared for a six hours movie. I appreciated the magical realism, but I ended up confused and tired. Next time I watch it I will be better prepared thanks to this video.

[@Shadowman4710]

Ahh yes. Angels in America-the play that literally brought down the entire Charlotte/Mecklenburg Republican Party in 1996.

[@robinisomaa]

Kyle, could you do a video on the Verfremdungseffekt in theater and film?

[@jaywhangmakes]

I think his Cloud Atlas videos went into this.

[@MrBGS101]

Hope to see more re-uploads soon.

[@Theriot6592]

Wait, I'm confued, if Roy Cohn never came out, how do we now know he was gay?

[@darkersandman2328]

He may not have had his bar mitzvah, but everybody knows: he is older than thirteen.

[@NobodyC13]

Once word got out that he succumbed to AIDS, which mind you, was commonly accepted as the "Gay Disease" at the time, he was posthumously investigated by friends and colleagues and their stories corroborated similarly to his speech in the play: "I'm not homosexual, for I have power, prestige, and clout. I just happened to screw around with guys."

[@Poopdahoop]

Yes! I always loved this one. I mean, both the episode and the AMAZING series. Will you be uploading all of your old stuff here? And if not, is there like a place online where you could find all the old episodes in one place? I've looked and couldn't really find them all I think. :(

[@nanardeurlambda]

Old Kallgreen Vids Yay!!

[@SweetCaptain77]

Cool! Old projects.

[@171QA]

Thanks for the repost.

[@meropale]

I watched the HBO adaption all those years ago but remember virtually nothing from it. I wish I could say it made an impression on me but it really did not!

[@muticere]

Your videos have always been great, but man-o-man do I prefer your current on-camera delivery over previously.

[@ronnierockit4468]

That is Robin Weigert as the Mormon pioneer lady, and I feel like it should be said because of her excellence as a performer. Watch Deadwood if you would like to learn more

[@caseyj5637]

Is the stinger at the end a new thing? I don't seem to remember it! o.O

[@rafaeljasso5995]

Yeah, I remember that stinger when I first saw it on Blip.

[@gregghanson6095]

well done!!

[@maxeuker2949]

thank you

[@riverajasmina41]

good work

[@VirtualBoy500]

Honestly, of all your old videos, the one I'd most like to see again would be the "Why I Hate the Word Arthouse" video.

[@RothurThePaladin]

Never seen this one. Ill enjoy.

[@graphicgamer1013]

Daawwww I feel great now :)

[@2hopskipjump2]

OMG! Finally:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[@ronnierockit4468]

More life.

[@megamage911]

Lol, I had to go read a bit about John Barrowman after you showed a quick glimpse of him here, since I've just been used to seeing him as Malcolm Merlyn in Arrow. Was a bit surprised to find out he was actually gay irl xD It's also funny to think that Both Grant Gustin (Barry Allen) and Jesse Lamont Martin (Joe West) have played gay characters before they were on Flash.

[@NobodyC13]

John Barrowman broke through the mainstream for appearing on Doctor Who as Captain Jack Harkness, an "omnisexual" man from the future who became the Doctor's companion and the first LGBT character of the new series, and would later headline his own spinoff "Torchwood."

[@dvon9392]

Fun fact: in school they never mentioned aids being connected to homosexuality, so for the longest time I was completely unaware that gay people were more likely to get aids or that there was a stigma that it was a "gay disease"

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Exactly how liberal is his rhetoric? And exactly how liberal is Kushner? “Liberal” in the conservative sense, meaning anybody to the political left of an objectivist, or “liberal” in the sense that he’s a neoliberal capitalist with vaguely progressive social views? I’m asking as a communist.

[@Malkmusianful]

I wouldn't call Kushner dyed-in-the-wool leftist, but he does flirt with leftist critique more than most liberal creatives (i.e. Belize, being the voice of reason, gives a damning critique of America AND mentions the mistreatment of the Palestinians by the Israeli government as something to fight against).

[@betamaxreal]

I think Kushner calls himself a socialist but did get called out for voting Clinton over Bernie

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Ambient Meridian As he should have.

[@aadityabhattacharya]

will u upload antichrist

[@beanhurst]

Was it just me, or is almost all the acting in this film torturously awful?

[@magnusprime962]

Maybe it's just the version I saw, but I had to see a local production for my college Acting class, and I didn't care for it. It was funny, but it frequently felt overwritten and pretentious, and most of the characters were difficult to watch. I'm all for encouraging work against AIDS, but the version I saw just didn't do it for me. Maybe I'll enjoy the HBO miniseries better.