It is essential to be aware of and draw attention to the fear that dominated society in the early 1980s and late 1990s, especially now as we are reaching the end of the pandemic times, following dates like November 24th and December 1st. These two key moments represent the 30th anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s death in 2021 and World AIDS Day, respectively. This year, 2023, is significant as well, marking thirty years since the release of 'Philadelphia' (Jonathan Demme, 1993) and ten years since 'Dallas Buyers Club' (Jean-Marc Vallée, 2013). Some studies consider it a global pandemic, while others classify it as an epidemic. In any case, it has affected and continues to affect many victims worldwide, particularly in the Southern regions of Africa.
The first known report on the disease was published on May 18th, 1981, in the gay newspaper New York Native. However, it was only on June 5th, 1981, that the first five US cases were clinically reported. Most of these early cases involved drug users and gay individuals. Initially, some researchers referred to the disease as a gay-related immune deficiency (GRID), while the media dubbed it the "gay plague." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also named it the "4H disease" because it affected heroin users, homosexuals, hemophiliacs, and Haitians. These offensive portrayals reflected and emphasized Western society's heteronormativity and homophobic values, further marginalizing the LGBTQIA+ community and stigmatizing it. Besides that, it was disseminating fake news about the virus, which is not a characteristic of gay people.
Jonathan Demme attempted to challenge these prejudices by directing an innovative film about the disease called 'Philadelphia.' He attempted to take advantage of cinema as a tool to bring awareness about the 1980s-1990s hate's target, the gays due to what was mentioned previously. It was highly advanced given the time it was produced and released. He drew inspiration from the stories of Geoffrey Bowers and Clarence Cain, both attorneys. In 1987, Bowers sued the law firm Baker McKenzie for wrongful dismissal in what became one of the earliest known AIDS discrimination cases. On the other hand, Cain was fired from Hyatt Legal Services after his employer learned of his illness, and he sued the low-cost legal service in the 1990s before his passing. In 1993, Demme cast renowned actors, including Tom Hanks, one of contemporary Hollywood’s favorite versatile everymen, and Denzel Washington, who was experiencing a career ascent following his roles in some Spike Lee films and an Academy Award win. The film's theme song features one of the most famous rock artists of the 1980s, Bruce Springsteen. It's no surprise that the movie is set in a city with a name that means 'The City of Brotherly Love.'
On one hand, 'Philadelphia' depicts the bigotry towards the LGBTQIA+ community, with cinematography and techniques portraying the typical phobia and disgust of the time. On the other hand, the film humanizes the disease, demystifies being gay as deviant, and attempts to portray LGBTQ individuals as equals to straight individuals, exemplified by the mirrored dance scene, while also vilifying homophobia. The film subtly and delicately uses characters' eyes as windows to the soul, with characters looking at each other or directly at the camera, creating depth and adding an emotional layer to the narrative. Joe Miller, portrayed by Denzel Washington, uses his influence in Philadelphia’s legal community as a reputable lawyer to help those on the margins of society, such as Andrew. It's worth noting that when they first meet, there's a noticeable change in Miller's body language and facial expressions, especially after Andy reveals he has AIDS. Additionally, the film uses point-of-view shots from Joe’s perspective, zooming in on every prop that Andy touches, and even conveys Miller's evolving mindset through his choice of words. This sequence suggests the 1980s fear. Furthermore, Joe Miller's character arc evolves and delivers a powerful message to the audience: prejudice has a cure. The movie was impactful for its time, released during the apex of Queer Cinema, and significantly contributed to broadening society’s understanding of the disease.
On the other hand, over the years since its release, the film remains relevant for its achievements concerning the LGBTQ+ community, but it did not age like fine wine completely. The romance between Andy and Miguel is portrayed as deviant and non-sexualized, more platonic. Additionally, the film maintains the trope of homosexuality as a curse, as Andy's death implies a punishment for his sexual orientation.
Two decades later, following countless losses and extensive research into the lethal virus, 'Dallas Buyers Club' was released in theaters. During the gap between the release of these two movies, many other productions explored AIDS as part of their storylines. 'Dallas Buyers Club' is set a few years earlier than 'Philadelphia,' specifically in 1985, and takes place in a different region of the United States, the more politically conservative Texas. The film is based on another real story, that of Ron Woodroof, the subject of the 1992 article from the Dallas Morning News titled 'Buying Time: World Traveler Ron Woodroof Smuggles Drugs—and Hope—for People with AIDS,' written by journalist Bill Minutaglio. The film takes an approach against the 1980s-1990s media and word-of-mouth, highlighting that AIDS is not exclusive to homosexuality.
Ron is depicted as a typical redneck, womanizer, cowboy, and rodeo enthusiast. These traits reflect traditional views of masculinity, which are today considered toxic, challenging the pre-conceived and erroneous perceptions of the disease. Throughout the film, Ron's character arc is similar to that of Joe Miller in 'Philadelphia.' He establishes the Dallas Buyers Club, utilizes his white male straight privilege to cross the Mexican border to obtain experimental drugs for American HIV-positive patients, and deconstructs some of his prejudices regarding the LGBTQIA+ community.
On the other hand, 'Dallas Buyers Club' employs transfake with Rayon, portrayed by Jared Leto, which excludes real trans people from on-screen trans characters. Cisgender actors playing transgender characters is called transfake. The term refers to the word blackface, which is a racist practice in which white people pretend to be black to perform comedy. Instead, it perpetuates stereotypes, and lacks depth, thus preventing a meaningful connection between them and the audience, and stigmatizing the multiple gender identities. This lack of representation in the media, a reduction in job opportunities and the maintenance of prejudiced stereotypes about the trans population. The idea of opposing transfake is to naturalize trans people in the media, ensuring that they are seen with more humanity. The film also adapts the death-as-punishment trope, moving from gays to the trans community, even though it adopts a butterfly metaphor symbolizing freedom.
AIDS has silenced numerous renowned voices in their respective fields, including figures like Anthony Perkins, Rock Hudson, and Michel Foucault. After 40 years since the peak of the disease, there are still many HIV-positive individuals, and tragically, fatalities continue. It remains a significant public health issue, with no known cure, though there is antiretroviral treatment available that can control the virus.
However, in a world dominated by a capitalist system, socioeconomic inequalities persist, and many countries and their populations cannot access essential services or afford the treatment. Sharing knowledge about the disease and how to prevent its transmission has been crucial in combating it. Preventative measures include using condoms and lubricants, avoiding the sharing of needles and injecting equipment (such as disposable syringes), and considering HIV prevention medication if you believe you've been exposed to the virus. Various sex education programs are also instrumental in raising awareness about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition to these efforts, some privileged and influential figures, like Princess Diana, used their power to help others and raise awareness. Princess Diana played a significant role in breaking the stigma associated with AIDS. She established AIDS wards in London and became a patron for the National AIDS Trust. In her own words during Martin Bashir's 1995 interview:
“Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a goal and an essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.”
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