Since the time of its first release in 1993, Philadelphia, the first Hollywood movie to address the issue of AIDS, has met with wide acclaim. The fact that Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his leading role as Andy Beckett, is often taken as a sign of official endorsement of its representation of AIDS. Today, the movie still figures prominently in the cultural memory of AIDS. Many consider it the must-see movie about AIDS, as its inclusion in the VU Pride film program also demonstrates.
Philadelphia will be introduced by Dirk Visser, lecturer in English literature at Radboud University Nijmegen. In his presentation he will discuss some of the thorny issues concerning the way in which Philadelphia represents AIDS, and question whether its canonical status is well-deserved.
Special deal for VU Students! Starting from 1 November you can get your ticket for only 3 euro with a free consumption, only at the box office at NU-building.