It was interesting to compare the makeup of Jean-Michel Portal's ill character in "L'Homme que j'aime" made for French tv in '97 to that of Tom Hanks's indisposed hero in "Philadelphia," released in America just four years earlier.
Although both characters had acquired an immune deficiency, their respective physical differences are striking. Whereas Hank's character was blistery, drawn and gaunt, Portal's was bright, clear-eyed and rosy.
Were there some remarkable international advances made in health care within those four years, or did the French simply have a leading edge in this arena?
Whatever the case, Portal's character stealthily pursues his chosen object of affection, convincingly played by Marcial Di Fonzo Bo, and there ensues a caring relationship.
This made-for-tv drama apparently connected with French audiences with its sensibly portrayed relationships, and director-writer Stephane Giusti can take credit for executing a nicely turned love story.
Although both characters had acquired an immune deficiency, their respective physical differences are striking. Whereas Hank's character was blistery, drawn and gaunt, Portal's was bright, clear-eyed and rosy.
Were there some remarkable international advances made in health care within those four years, or did the French simply have a leading edge in this arena?
Whatever the case, Portal's character stealthily pursues his chosen object of affection, convincingly played by Marcial Di Fonzo Bo, and there ensues a caring relationship.
This made-for-tv drama apparently connected with French audiences with its sensibly portrayed relationships, and director-writer Stephane Giusti can take credit for executing a nicely turned love story.