Films about AIDS in the 80s were a significant part of the cinematic landscape during that era. These films shed light on the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic and brought important social and medical issues to the forefront. Here are some notable films about AIDS in the 80s:
“Longtime Companion”, 1989
Director: Norman René
Set in New York City, this film follows a group of friends as they navigate the early years of the AIDS crisis. It portrays the emotional toll the disease takes on both the individuals affected and their loved ones.
Starring: Campbell Scott, Patrick Cassidy, John Dossett, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephen Caffrey, Tanya Berezin, Welker White, Michael Piontek, Joyce Reehling, Bruce Davison, Mark Lamos, Dermot Mulroney, Michael Schoeffling, Brian Cousins, Marceline Hugot, Margo Skinner, Eric Gutierrez, Brad O'Hare, Philip Moon, Hazel Medina, Annie Golden, Freda Foh Shen, Alexandra Neil, Kelly Connell, Rajika Puri, Brent Barrett, Keith Charles, Dan Butler, Robi Martin, Robert Joy, Tony Shalhoub, Pi Douglass, Dan Golden, David Drake, Michael Carmine, Melora Creager, Jesse Hultberg, Lee Kimble, Francis Callahan, Emily Cutler, David Gilmore, Keith Mooney, Burke Morgan, Peter Riga, Frank Stewart, Marc A. Thomas;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Longtime Companion” on the website imdb.com
“Philadelphia”, 1993
Director: Jonathan Demme
Though released in the early 90s, “Philadelphia” provides a powerful depiction of the AIDS crisis in the 80s. Tom Hanks delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a lawyer fired from his firm after revealing his HIV-positive status. The film explores themes of discrimination, stigma, and the fight for justice.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Joanne Woodward, Charles Napier, Robert Ridgely, Bradley Whitford, Ron Vawter, Lisa Summerour, Roger Corman, Joey Perillo, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman, Karen Finley, Daniel Chapman, Mark Sorensen Jr., Jeffrey Williamson, Charles Glenn, Anna Deavere Smith, Stephanie Roth Haberle, Lisa Talerico, Chandra Wilson, Ford Wheeler, David Drake, Peter Jacobs, Paul Lazar, Freddie Foxxx, Paul Moore, Warren Miller, Lauren Roselli, Jane Moore, Bill Rowe, Dennis Radesky, Glen Hartell, Tracey Walter, John Ignarri, Richard Ehrlich, Julius Erving, Ann Dowd, Katie Lintner, Peg French, Ann Howard, Meghan Tepas, John Bedford Lloyd, Robert W. Castle, Molly Hickok, Dan Olmstead, Elizabeth Roby;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Philadelphia” on the website imdb.com
“And the Band Played On”, 1993
Director: Roger Spottiswoode
Based on the non-fiction book by Randy Shilts, this HBO film chronicles the early years of the AIDS epidemic. It delves into the political, medical, and social factors that contributed to the spread of the disease and the struggle to contain it.
Starring: Matthew Modine, Alan Alda, Patrick Bauchau, Nathalie Baye, Christian Clemenson, David Clennon, Phil Collins, Bud Cort, Alex Courtney, David Dukes, Richard Gere, David Marshall Grant, Ronald Guttman, Glenne Headly, Anjelica Huston, Ken Jenkins, Richard Jenkins, Tchéky Karyo, Swoosie Kurtz, Jack Laufer, Donal Logue, Steve Martin, Richard Masur, Dakin Matthews, Ian McKellen, Peter McRobbie, Lawrence Monoson, Jeffrey Nordling, Saul Rubinek, Charles Martin Smith, Stephen Spinella, Lily Tomlin, B.D. Wong, Walter Addison, Jill Andre, Alan Barry, Neal Benari, David Dean Bottrell, Rico Bueno, Bill Carmichael, Christopher Carroll, Reg E. Cathey, John Del Regno, John Durbin, Mogens Eckert, Carey Eidel, Robert Briscoe Evans, Richard Fancy, Keythe Farley, Christopher John Fields;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 141 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “And the Band Played On” on the website imdb.com
“Parting Glances”, 1986
Director: Bill Sherwood
This independent film focuses on the relationships and experiences of a group of friends living in New York City during the height of the AIDS crisis. It offers a more intimate and personal perspective on the impact of the disease.
Starring: Richard Ganoung, John Bolger, Steve Buscemi, Adam Nathan, Kathy Kinney, Patrick Tull, Yolande Bavan, Andre Morgan, Richard Wall, Jim Selfe, Kristin Moneagle, John Siemens, Bob Koherr, Ted Ganger, Nada, Patrick Ragland, Cam Brainard, Sylwia Hartowicz, Hanna Hartowicz, Nicholas Hill, Lee Greenstein, Jordan McLean, Lori Romero, Elaine Swayneson, Markus Lawson, David Lines, Gardiner Kendall, Victor Rivers, Michael Medeiros, Eric Miller, Al Hughes;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: drama, melodrama, music;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Parting Glances” on the website imdb.com
“Rock Hudson's Home Movies”, 1992
Director: Mark Rappaport
Directed by Mark Rappaport, this experimental documentary reflects on the life and career of Rock Hudson, one of the first high-profile celebrities to die from AIDS-related complications. It explores the intersection of Hollywood, sexuality, and the AIDS epidemic.
Starring: Eric Farr, Cyd Charisse, Marc Christian, Doris Day, Phyllis Gates, Rock Hudson, Burl Ives, Otto Kruger, Paul Lynde, Jeff Morrow, Maria Perschy, Paula Prentiss, Tony Randall, Gena Rowlands, James Stewart, Clint Walker, John Wayne, Jane Wyman, Lauren Bacall, Angie Dickinson, Kirk Douglas, Linda Evans, Jon Hall, Dorothy Malone;
Production year: 1992;
Genre: documentary, biography;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 63 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,1;
More information about the film “Rock Hudson's Home Movies” on the website imdb.com
“An Early Frost”, 1985
Director: John Erman
A groundbreaking TV movie, “An Early Frost” centers around a successful lawyer who discovers he has AIDS. The film explores the impact of the diagnosis on his relationships and the emotional journey of coming to terms with the disease.
Starring: Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, Sylvia Sidney, Aidan Quinn, D.W. Moffett, John Glover, Sydney Walsh, Terry O'Quinn, Bill Paxton, Cheryl Anderson, Christopher Bradley, Sue Ann Gilfillan, Don Hood, Barbara Hey, Scott Jaeck, John Lafayette, Michael Prince, Essex Smith, Lee Wilkof, Leoda Richards;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “An Early Frost” on the website imdb.com
These films provide a glimpse into the social, emotional, and medical aspects of the AIDS crisis in the 80s. They contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding HIV/AIDS and serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those affected during that time.
The films about AIDS in the 80s serve as powerful and poignant reminders of a crucial period in history. They shed light on the devastating impact of the epidemic, addressing societal stigmas, personal struggles, and the urgency for awareness and compassion. Each film captures the emotional turmoil, resilience, and human spirit in the face of a crisis. Through compelling storytelling and brave performances, these films not only honor the lives affected by AIDS but also serve as a testament to the strength of the human resolve and the importance of empathy and understanding in times of adversity.
