The Normal Heart

[rexbeccarox]

My wife and I watched it earlier in the week. I thought it was emotionally compelling on several levels and highly recommend it. I plan on watching it again.

I thought the 'do-nothing establishment' angles were overplayed, but can understand why given the political goal of the original play (1985); namely, to start a conversation via a kick in the head. Effective even if not wholly accurate.

Time has tempered our expectations for a quick cure; I am aware of only one case considered cured. I had to intentionally suppress my awareness of this fact in order to fully appreciate Weeks' indignant rage at the perceived lack of urgency rather than considering it sheer madness.

I really like the film and there's a lot more to discuss, but hesitate for now due to the spoiler factor.

I think the "do-nothing establishment" angles were perfect, and accurate. These guys were desperate, and the establishment flatly refused to help until they were personally affected by the epidemic. I was really young (like, eight) when I heard about the AIDS virus for the first time, and I remember thinking how high the numbers were and wondering why no one had done anything until that point.

As far as spoilers, there aren't any in the OP, and I invited discussion. Spoiler alerts are implied. I say go on with your bad self!

*SPOILERS AHEAD!!!*

I've been reading more about Ed Koch. As many great things as he did with the Gay Rights Movement, he practically killed any number of gay men because of his willful ignorance of the AIDS epidemic. And he's not the only one. Reagan ignored it for years, also. The British Media and government were on top of it, resulting in very relatively few people contracting the virus at that time.

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It was great, but completely different from The Normal Heart. It's more about civil rights than anything else.

Found the movie! I'm going to watch it in a bit.
Just a warning, If I cry... I will beat you up.

Hey- I didn't make the movie!