A review by dizzymissruby
All My Sons by Arthur Miller

5.0

This was brilliant! I'd read The Crucible and Death of a Salesman in high school, truly enjoyed them both, but this is probably my favourite of Miller's plays so far. I am always looking to learn more about WWII, and this was based on a true story, which is horrifying to think of. Joe Keller was an interesting character, a man keen on convincing himself that he was protecting his family, but what about the families of those 21 pilots? It makes you think about the way a lot of people may have treated others during the war, particularly one steeped in fascism, where inferiority is punished, and protecting yourself is quite literally a fight to the death; where there are those who wanted to curry favor with the oppressor to protect themselves. While Joe's crime was more about protecting his business and income, it's hard to miss the parallel against the backdrop of the war's aftermath. There are always stories about those who protected and housed those in danger, who helped prisoners escape or flee occupied countries, all at a terrible risk to their own lives... but sometimes you have to remember that self-preservation can sometimes bring out the worst in people who are scared or have something to gain. It brings a certain depth to the varying range of what humanity can be like. Joe's realization that he felt responsible for "all his sons", was the pinnacle of this play, I felt. When you take fear and irrationality away, people can feel things deeply, and they can be racked with guilt for the horrors they may have enabled. The other prominent character who I also felt represented life during the war, was Kate. It was a mother's greatest fear for her sons to be sent to war during that time, but worst of all, when they go missing. The emotional depth and progression that Miller gave to her character was raw and heart-breaking, and it really demonstrates the long-lasting consequences of war after its over. I don't want to give away any spoilers for what eventually happens, so that's all I'll say. I'm stoked that the National Theatre will be broadcasting this live, I can't wait to see it. Sally Field is a perfect casting for Kate Keller.