Review by Arijeet Chandra
“The essence of discrimination: formulating opinions about others not based on their individual merits, but rather on their membership in a group with assumed characteristics.”
Made in 1993, the movie Philadelphia presents the issues of AIDS, homosexuality and homophobia. The story is inspired by true events where a person files a case against his previous employer for unfair sacking from his job.
Andrew Beckett is a bright and enterprising lawyer working in a top-notch law firm. His bosses are happy with his work, rather trusting his strong ability assign him an important case to work upon. One of his colleagues suspects him infected by HIV/AIDS by seeing a lesion on his face. Though Andrew is afraid that he has AIDS and his health is deteriorating day by day, he finishes his task perfectly. And one day all of a sudden, he finds his file about the important case missing from his table, also no trace of anything on his personal computer, he finds himself fired on account of ‘being irresponsible and non-competent’ . Andrew suspects that he is a victim of discrimination. He decides to file a lawsuit on his previous employers against his unfair dismissal. He approaches Joe Miller, another notable lawyer in the city to take his case. But Joe Miller initially refuses. Later seeing him in a public library with many law related books, and feeling that ‘a law has been broken’ he finally takes his case. Rest of the movie is about how the two parties in the court present their arguments, and ‘once homophobic’ Joe Miller‘s eventual change of heart, and subsequent justice done to Andrew Beckett.
With marvellous screenplay, the dramatic presentation is rather beautiful. Strong characterization and a balance between the personal lives of Andrew Beckett and Joe Miller, and the court proceedings has been a plus point. Actors Tom Hanks (Andrew Beckett) and Denzel Washington (Joe Miller) are always remembered for their roles, the accolades received by the film makes a long list. For director Johanthan Demme’s this remarkable film is not only one of his best, but also by making ‘Philadelphia’, Mr. Demme had been successful in presenting himself as queer-friendly as opposed to the previous perception of him by the LGBT community.
It has always been one of my favourite movies, not only for its theme but for its cinematic presentation. There are many dialogues, conversations and one-liners that are hard to ignore along with several touching moments for example the scenes of Andrew celebrating his parents anniversary with his whole family and their support, encouragement for him. Also the intimate scene of Andrew with his partner Miguel (played by actor Antonio Banderas), though it being very brief impresses the subtlety of the subject. Not but the least, with a soulful rendition by Singer Bruce Springsteen, this movie is a must watch for every kind of audience.
“Judge: In this courtroom, Mr. Miller, justice is blind to matters of race, creed, colour, religion, and sexual orientation.
Counsellor Miller: With all due respect, your honour, we don’t live in this courtroom, do we?”
