February 10, 1994 Justice touches the heart by Sarab Mekbiorre Coll/gime Staff If a person who has cancer is fired because of his disease is that outrageous? If a person who has AIDS is fired because of his syndrome should that be any different? Not in "Philadelphia!" Tom Hanks, as Andrew Beckett, and Denzel Washington, as Joe Miller, star in the riveting film, "Philadelphia? Andrew is a lawyer who contracts the HIV virus. Andrew decides not to tell his employers about his illness. Andrew is a senior associate at a powerful law firm in Philadelphia. Why doesn't Andrew tell? Andrew's employers hate gay men and they don't want a person with AIDS working for them. For months Andrew conceals his illness until he begins to get visible lesions. Andrew tells lies about how he gets these strange marks. When asked about one Andrew says smiling, "Oh, I got hit by a racket ball." He is always covering his tracks. One day a very important file is misplaced. No one knows who lost it. The next day the partners of the law film call Andrew to a meeting. What Is the main topic? The termination of Andrew. Andrew loves the law. Law is his life. He strives for justice. After his dismissal, he goes to ***************** ***** cjiie Lititatehboie cPPayen Thesents * * * * * * * * * * n• * * 'ita.V Ltgitis * * * by done Ottcatitt * * * * * * * * * * saiatio %ate * * cPenn State-Tektend * * * * * * * gebkuang 18-19. 8:00 p.m. * gebituaty 20, 2.20 p.m. * * %tummy 2426. 8:00 p.m. gebAucmg 27, 230 pm. * * * fox 066(ce: 898-6016 * * * * * * * * * Auts Side emaraisi pow ad a" "Ha a , Mali" la a perm <mi * .a.m.. ui 5 . mismm ...! * * boa oi amorokirs at las gams about de pkgred gem Pcmalo 4lBo * * ""xi %OAP COO6ll (MOM * vii, 6 ""Ils 4 Via 01110 00 a set " **********************t in "Philadelphia" many lawyers, all of whom won't take his case. He alleges that the law firm fired him because he has AIDS. Now, where does Joe Miller come in? He is a personal-injury lawyer with ads all over T.V. Andrew and Joe once had a face-off in the court room. Andrew asks Joe to be his attorney. While Joe and Andrew are talking, Joe keeps a conspicuous eye on everything that Andrew touches in the office. Joe finally says he can't take the case for "personal reasons." Joe hates homosexuals. He hates when they complain they don't have equal rights. Joe wishes Andrew good luck in finding a lawyer. Andrew answers, "I'm a lawyer." Andrew works for weeks by himself with one thought in mind, "every problem has a solution." Andrew is in the law library working on his case, and Joe avoids like the plague. Joe then notices how the librarian is insisting that Andrew moves into a private room. Joe sees the prejudice, the fear that lies within him. It is quite apparent that Joe hates homosexuals, be he hates discrimination, prejudice, and injustice even more, so he takes AndreWs ease.• "Philadelphia" is a tremendously powerful film. The cinematography adds passion to the film. ENTERTAINMENT Andrew and Joe are working late one night. Joe is going through the questions he is going to ask Andrew on the stand the following day. Andrew suddenly becomes engulfed in his favorite opera, which is playing in the background. The lights fade. The riveting scene continues as Joe is covered in a black shadow. Andrew is covered in a warm red light. Joe starts translating the oPera By the first line of the song Joe has tears streaming down his face as he says with conviction, "I AM LOVE." Hank's portrayal of Andrew Beckett is some of his best work. If he is not nominated for an Oscar then there is something wrong. Denzel Washington adds strength to the movie. His character is very complex and changes throughout the the movie. He learns compassion. During the trial, a witness with AIDS, who was an employee of the same law firm as Andrew, is testifying. She is asked how it feels to be a victim of AIDS. She responds, "I'm not guilty. I'm not innocent. I'm just trying to survive." "Philadelphia" cuts through all the myths and fears created by AIDS. The film lets people, who have not been exposed to homosexuals see them as people with feelings, families, lovers, and friends. Now appearing: Catch Frank Nicotero weekend at Bruno's. Nicotero has kept audiences at comedy clubs and colleges across the country doubled over laughing. Along with his recently televised performance on TNN's "Be A Star," and A "Comedy on the Road," Nicotero is a regul. guest and staff writer for WDVE. Catch th comedy this Friday, February 9 beginning 9 p.m. at Bruno's. gvziv . Iteitior I Teo' . ill WAITING FOR GODDT Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature Beginning Friday, February 'lth the most fabled play of the century comes to the Roadhouse Theatre staae. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Waiting for Godot is a classic of the modern theater, that has inspired intense devotion from many playgoers wno return to experience it time and time again. Even after 40 years, Godot's timeiess themes capture audiences' imaginations, with the most recent Broadway production, starring Robin Williams and Steve Martin. selling out in only ONE clay! Don't miss this rare opportunity to see the play that changed the face or • :tea ere forever. "—on* of the most noble and moving plays of our generation. a threnody of hope deceived and deferred but never extinguished; a play suffused with tenderness for the whole human perplexity; with phrases that come like a sharp stab of beauty and pain." The London Times FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENINGS AT 8 PM B.ginning FEBRUARY 11th continuing through MARCH sth •STARRING: Scott McClelland and Jimmy Mehs with Jerry Lee Lovelace and Chuck Smith Admission S 8 Students & Senior Citizens S 6 Reservations - 456-5656 - Information The Roadhouse Theatre for Contemporary Art 1505 State Street - 2nd Floor To See
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