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
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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