MovieChat Forums > Angels in America (2003) Discussion > Forgiveness ... so why can't Prior forgi...

Forgiveness ... so why can't Prior forgive Lou?

posted 8 years ago by bboinnng
1 reply | jump to latest

I've just watched the DVD for the first time in a few years. I am always moved by the 'relationship' between Belize (the night nurse) and Roy Cohn - they both loathe each other, yet Belize looks out for Roy at points despite his strong feelings. The issue of forgiveness I also find moving - everyone in the film denounces Roy as the worse human being that ever lived, yet when he dies, both Belize and Lou and even Ethel Rosenberg seem to find it in themselves to decide that reciting a prayer for the dead is the thing to do, even for the likes of Roy Cohn. And Ethel singing to Roy when she thinks he's lapsing into delirium in the hospital bed, in order to calm him down - again, this is hinting at forgiveness, right? Or at the very least, basic decency and humanity.

Given this ... given that Roy is called 'evil incarnate' yet they pray over him ... I can't get my head around why it is that Prior can't find it in himself to forgive someone he admits he loves, who loves him ... Lou, i.e. he tells Lou that he can't come back to him, "not ever". I can think of no other reason for this than understandable and justified bitterness towards the man who abandoned him in his time of greatest need ... but given the film's views on forgiveness and humanity as noted above, I find it jarring and confusing and certainly unsatisfying that Prior cannot find it in himself to forgive Lou enough to take him back, even though he tells him that he loves him and adds, "I really do".

Anyone care to shed light on this for me?

Thanks.

[–] waterlily529 8 years ago

I binge watched the series tonight, and I do believe Prior has forgiven Louis as evidenced by the final scene four years later. He may not have been able to take him back as a lover, but they obviously remained close. The way Prior, Belize and Louis greeted Hannah, I got the impression they get together regularly. The ending of their relationship was hell for both of them, and even when you love someone, no matter how much you want it, you can't always go back to the way it was before.

I found the end to be perfect in that, while they weren't together as a couple, they found a way to remain an important part of each other's lives, despite the hurt and pain.