PHILADELPHIA (1993) | Dir: Jonathan Demme | This was the Big Event. Finally, Hollywood was making a movie about AIDS that tackled homophobia head-on. It was widely praised for the writing, performances and direction. It was widely criticized for being too mainstream and safe about the topic. PHILADELPHIA was the focus of my master’s thesis which addressed this basic concept: when you’re making a film, you’re speaking to a specific group of people (audience) and using a shared language to do so. Demme and writer Ron Nyswaner knew exactly who they were talking to: the mainstream moviegoing audience. Casting Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, as well as Joanne Woodward and Mary Steenburgen, solidified its appeal to people who might otherwise not be inclined to want to see this story onscreen. I love PHILADELPHIA. It was bolder film than ever given credit for being and it presented a flavor of homophobia that is far more common, one that occupies the rooms where people are hired or, worse, where families celebrate the holidays or a new baby. It brought homophobia into living rooms and offices. At its core, it is an advocacy film in the form of a story courtroom drama. And Tom Hanks gave quite the memorable speech when he accepted his Oscar. But for me, the real protagonist is Denzel Washington’s Joe Miller, who stands in for the apprehensive audience member who is uncomfortable with gay people and homosexuality. His character arc from fearful and prejudiced and ignorant is subtle and believable, every step of the way.
