Philadelphia - movie review

Philadelphia

Plot: When a man with AIDS is fired by his law firm because of his condition, he hires a homophobic small time lawyer as the only willing advocate for a wrongful dismissal suit.
Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, James Robards
Director: Jonathan Demme
Rating: 12
Runtime: 2hrs 5 mins
Release Date: Friday 25th February 1994

Tom Hanks has had memorable roles throughout his career. Whether it be the incredibly likeable Forrest Gump or the rootin tootin cowboy, Sheriff Woody, his talent is undeniable. However, many forget his initial Oscar winning role as an AIDS infected lawyer, Andrew Beckett. The overall story of Philadelphia is not one of joy and happiness. It has inclusions of humour but it mainly focuses its message on this debilitating disease.

Like I have already mentioned, Tom Hanks is a generational actor. For every person alive, they will have their own opinion on which role is Hanks' greatest. His depiction of Andrew Beckett is very close to the number one spot for me. Simply watching Hanks suffer in this way is heartbreaking and from the get go, you immediately feel sympathy for this character. And then, as his condition worsens, the care and pain that Hanks includes is emotionally destroying. He clearly embodies what this character is suffering but yet provides a powerful message to the audience about how serious and misunderstood AIDS can be. As Beckett struggles to get legal representation for his troublesome predicament, homophobic lawyer Joe Miller changes his tune realising the pain that Beckett is facing. Washington is phenomenal is this film and almost steals it entirely from Hanks. The two have great chemistry and you begin to buy the friendship that they form. Washington does convey the difficulty his character has dealing with Beckett but because of his enigmatic performance, you can just about overlook that character flaw when Miller does begin helping Beckett. Philadelphia does not include the largest and most prominent of casts. Therefore, it can allow our focus to be solely on the main characters of Beckett and Miller. However, both Mary Steenburgen and Antonio Banderas gives performances that are worth mentioning. Banderas plays Hanks' lover and something that did surprise me, was how dramatically capable Banderas was. He is usually featured in action films or animated comedies, but it was a refreshing change to see Banderas delivering a great and heartfelt performance as someone who does not have AIDS but is still having to deal with the repercussions. For Steenburgen though, it was kind of a mixed reception. Whenever she is on screen, she is very good and I enjoy the way that she controls the courtroom, but that is the only time in which we ever see her. I would have preferred it if I was able to delve a bit deeper into her character rather than just a presentation of a generic and undeveloped lawyer.

Just from the plot alone, you can immediately tell that Philadelphia will not be a light-hearted affair. And it isn't. Demme's direction is almost immaculate. The way in which the story progresses means that there isn't a moment where it slows or a scene feels unnecessary. There are some moments where humour is incorporated but it doesn't overshadow the serious nature of the film. One of the most impactful sequences of this movie is watching Andrew Beckett simply look for help. Through the dialogue and Hanks' captivating performance, your soul breaks for Beckett as you helplessly watch him struggle to find help, something which everyone should deserve. And of course, due to the saddening nature of the film, it is absolutely emotionally draining. Whether it be viewing Hanks having to deal with the AIDS disease in general or the disgusting and horrendous way in which he is treated, this movie does not leave the audience unscathed. But what caught me off guard was that Philadelphia is predominantly a courtroom drama. Being a fan of this genre, I was pleased to see it handled with grace but still retain the dramatic tension. But one aspect of the film that didn't feel quite as fleshed out as the rest of the story was Washington's rapid alteration in opinion. After revealing himself as a self-confessed homophobe, the sudden change in his beliefs was very quick and it ultimately affected the progression of the character.

Accompanying the very opening of the film, as we patrol the streets of Philadelphia, is the intensely powerful song 'Streets Of Philadelphia' by Bruce Springsteen. From this introduction, I immediately knew that Philadelphia would be an unrelentingly emotional experience. The sombre tone of Springsteen singing forebodes the upsetting sequence of events. There are unique aspects in which the way Philadelphia is filmed that was quite impressive. Throughout the film, extreme close-ups are used to where the characters looks directly down the face of the camera. Because of this, it has a very singular feel about it with each audience member feeling as if each character is addressing them. Therefore, it reinforces the serious nature and message of AIDS making each and every viewer further invested in the development.

With Hanks and Washington giving some of the best performances of their amazing careers, Philadelphia proves to be an incredibly depressing but emotive motion picture. It will leave you emotionally devastated and angry at certain human beings but nevertheless, contains the odd uplifting moments as you support Beckett and Miller in their legal case.

My Verdict: 8.5/10

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