Thursday 3 July 2014

Movie review - The Normal Heart (2014)

The Normal Heart (2014) / drama

Directed by Ryan Murphy
Written by Larry Kramer
Based on The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer
Produced by Brad Pitt, Ryan Murphy and Scott Ferguson
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Alfred Molina, Julia Roberts, Joe Mantello, B.D. Wong, Jonathan Groff, Stephen Spinella, Finn Wittrock, Denis O'Hare, Corey Stoll, Danielle Ferland
Trailer: click.

Not easy to watch but essential to see!

PLOT
The Normal Heart is Larry Kramer's adaptation of his own successful play that focuses on the rise of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City between 1981 and 1984. The stroy is seen through the eyes of writer activist Ned Weeks (Mark Ruffalo), the gay Jewish-American founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group. Ned prefers loud public confrontations to the calmer, more private strategies favored by his associates, friends and closeted lover Felix Turner (Matt Bomer). Their differences of opinion lead to frequent arguments that threaten to undermine their mutual goal.

REVIEW
Now this is powerful film with plenty of emotions. It's about love, society, AIDS, oppression, bureaucracy, death. You feel the anger, fear, hysteria, the whole atmosphere of that time and it shows the real complexity of the struggles within the gay community. Thought provoking, heart-breaking but much needed look back with truthful approach of the subject. Sometimes difficult to watch but necessary to view. Then we have undeniably magnificent performances by Matt, Mark, Julia and Alfred. Also supporting cast members worth mentioning: Joe, Taylor and Jim. Honestly the whole cast was passionate and totally on board  with heart and soul and you could feel it. A must see! 4/5



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