Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Margaret Cho | ... | Charlene Lee | |
Bruce Davison | ... | Rodney Bingham | |
Lee Grant | ... | Amalia Stark | |
Devon Gummersall | ... | Andrew Bingham | |
Gregory Harrison | ... | Brandon Theis | |
Marlee Matlin | ... | Daphne Stark | |
Roddy McDowall | ... | Damian Knowles | |
Olivia Newton-John | ... | Lina Bingham | |
Bronson Pinchot | ... | Monty Tipton | |
Paul Regina | ... | Tony Zamara | |
Eric Roberts | ... | Nick Stark | |
George Segal | ... | Paul Stark | |
Steve Antin | ... | Zack Phillips | |
Dimitra Arliss | ... | Fanny Kondos | |
Christopher Atkins | ... | Jack Allen |
"You won't leave me, will you?" Nick asks Brandon shortly after revealing to him the results of his last blood test for HIV. "I don't want to die alone." In spite of Brandon's protestations, the two soon find the love they had shared for many years in ruins. One year after their breakup, Nick is confronted with a ravaged immune system and a CT Scan and lab values which, along with his worsening forgetfulness, clenches the diagnosis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) -- a condition he has seen claim his friends and one which he vows will not take him. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, he has only a few days of conscious life remaining. His plan, he announces to family and "extended family," is to voluntarily end his life himself before the disease renders him unrecognizable to those he loves and he, in turn, is unable to recognize them. Uninvited to the farewell party, Brandon's presence is greeted with jeers from those who see him as having abandoned Nick ... Written by Mark Fleetwood <mfleetwo@mail.coin.missouri.edu>
. . .and even heaving sobs.
When I saw this in 1996 at the theater, I started crying about 15 minutes in and never stopped. I haven't been able to watch it since then. I decided to buy the DVD and see if I coudl get through it without so much crying. ..well, almost.
For me, the emotions start pouring over me when I empathize with all of Nick's loving friends, including his former lover Brandon, who are somewhat supportive of his decision, yet really not ready to let him go quite yet.
As someone else mentioned, the wink that Nick gives Brandon, signalling his forgiveness of Brandon for his selfishness and lack of understanding, just does me in. From that moment on, and up until the end, the tears keep running down my face.
By the way, what a great cast for such a moving film! Eric Roberts and Gregory Harrison are exceptional, and they get great support from Lee Grant, Bronson Pinchot, Margaret Cho, Erich Segal, the late Roddy McDowell, and the rest.
I think I'll watch this DVD whenever I'm feelig cynical and weary of the events taking place in this world of bigotry, hatred and war. At least then I can have a good cry about something that really matters: love and affection from one's nearest and dearest.