Watch Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner

Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner is a documentary film that delves deep into the life and work of the renowned American playwright Tony Kushner. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, this documentary is a fascinating exploration of the mind and creative process of one of the most celebrated writers of our time.

Through interviews with Kushner and his friends and colleagues, as well as footage of his plays and rehearsals, Wrestling With Angels takes viewers on a journey through the life and work of this masterful playwright. The film explores Kushner's early influences, including his childhood in Louisiana, his Jewish heritage, and his passion for theater. It also delves into his political activism, from his work with Act Up in the 1980s to his outspoken critiques of the Bush administration in the 2000s.

Perhaps most compellingly, the film explores Kushner's creative process, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. Through interviews with Kushner himself and with fellow playwrights and actors, we gain insights into his creative inspirations, his struggles with writer's block, and the meticulous research that goes into each of his plays.

The film also features clips and behind-the-scenes footage from Kushner's plays, including Angels in America, Homebody/Kabul, and Caroline, or Change. These glimpses into the rehearsal process and on-stage performances reveal the profound emotional depth and political engagement that are hallmarks of Kushner's work.

Throughout the film, Kushner himself emerges as a deeply introspective and thoughtful artist, who is never content to rest on his laurels but is always pushing himself to grow and evolve. As he says early in the film, "I have to just keep trying to make stuff that's better than what I've done before."

In addition to exploring Kushner's personal journey as a writer, the film also touches on the broader cultural and political issues that his work engages with. From the AIDS crisis to the Iraq War, Kushner has consistently tackled some of the most pressing issues of our time, using his art to raise awareness and spark dialogue.

Overall, Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of a singular artist and thinker. Through interviews, archival footage, and stunning performances, the film illuminates both the creative process and the deeply felt social and political convictions that have shaped Kushner's career. Whether you are a longtime fan of his work or a newcomer to his oeuvre, this documentary is a moving and inspiring tribute to one of America's greatest living playwrights.