Watch Every Act of Life

Every Act of Life is a documentary film that explores the life and career of the prolific playwright Terrence McNally, who is considered one of America's greatest playwrights. McNally has won four Tony Awards, an Emmy, two Guggenheim fellowships, and a lifetime achievement award from the Dramatists Guild. The film takes viewers on a journey through McNally's life, from his early years in Texas to his rise to fame in New York City's theater scene. The film is directed by Jeff Kaufman and produced by Marcia Ross.

The film features interviews with many of McNally's colleagues and friends, including F. Murray Abraham, Nathan Lane, Angela Lansbury, Edie Falco, Christine Baranski, Chita Rivera, and many others. The film also includes footage from some of McNally's productions, including clips from the original productions of Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class.

Every Act of Life does an excellent job of capturing the essence of McNally's work and his dedication to his craft. Throughout the film, viewers get an inside look at McNally's creative process, including his struggles, triumphs, and inspirations. The film also explores some of the themes that are present in McNally's work, such as homosexuality, AIDS, and the human condition.

One of the key takeaways from the film is McNally's unwavering commitment to writing plays that reflect the world around him. Whether it's exploring the complexities of human relationships or grappling with the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s, McNally's plays have always been anchored in reality.

Another strong theme in the film is McNally's influence on other playwrights and actors. Many of the people interviewed in the film credit McNally with helping to shape their careers and inspiring them to pursue their passions.

The film also delves into McNally's personal life, including his struggles with addiction and his relationships with his partners. Through interviews with McNally's friends and family, viewers get a sense of the man behind the plays and the challenges he faced throughout his life.

Overall, Every Act of Life is a moving tribute to one of America's greatest playwrights. Through interviews, archival footage, and clips from McNally's productions, the film gives viewers an inside look at the life and work of a true artist. Whether you're a fan of McNally's work or simply interested in the craft of playwriting, Every Act of Life is a must-see film.

Every Act of Life is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.