Philadelphia (Jonathan Demme, 1993)
Essay Statement:
This video focuses on the political and historical making of Philadelphia (1993), one of the first films to address homophobia and AIDS stigma on the big screen. I begin by explaining why the city of Philadelphia is one of the perfect places for this film to be set, as the city’s historical landmarks associated with liberty and independence elicit themes of law, order, and justice throughout the film. Moreover, I discuss how the city of Philadelphia has a rich history of AIDS activisms and LGBTQIA+ rights groups. Philadelphia's history provides authenticity and layers to the film's script. Next, I address the plot of the film, which was closely associated with a true story of a lawyer in Philadelphia who was unjustly fired for having AIDS. Finally, I discuss the legacy of the film and how it was used as a tool for starting national conversations about human rights. While the film itself has many issues—the appropriation of a true story and the heteronomative portrayal of the gay community—it is a great example of how films can be used to bring national attention to pressing problems and be used as a tool for movement.
- Colin Donahue