How To Survive A Plague Free Essay Example, 750 words

ï » ¿How to Survive a Plague Introduction How to Survive a Plague is a transformational documentary produced by Ninety Thousand Words, Tomchin in collaboration with Ford production companies. This documentary is about the period when H. I.V/AIDS was considered a death sentence to a period when it is a manageable chronic illness. This film produced and directed by David France, a journalist who had been covering the AIDS since its beginning and Howard Gartler explores the early advancements of AIDS. The principal focus of this documentary was to spearhead the campaign by Act-up organization over the crisis to a public and government attention. Act-up was Larry Kramer’s intelligence quality that inspired the creation of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis organization. France’s intertwines literary stylish and thematic aspects like politics to bring out the horror and the government’s ignorance to the epidemic. This essay explores the transformation of H. I.V/ AID S plague from a death sentence disease to a manageable chronic illness. How to Survive a Plague is majorly about a group of activists and the founders of the Act-up organization. We will write a custom essay sample on How To Survive A Plague or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This follows a struggle for recognition by the U. S.A government and health organizations in the provision and the development of advanced VIV/AIDS remedies. The political aspect of this documentary is the level of ignorance portrayed by President Ronald Reagan in support of the epidemic activism. In addition, Senator Jesse Helm pointed out to the victims that, â€Å"They asked for it†. Research through interviews and film demonstrations by the members of the Act-up group identified the spread of the plague to have been hastened by homosexuality and GLBT lifestyle. The politics against the Act-up activism was further reflected by the refusal of health organizations to treat AIDS patients and further refusal by the funeral homes to bury those that died of AIDS or related complications. The increasing death troll inspired the mobilization of the GLBT group in 1987 to influence the public perception about HIV/AIDS. This aimed at the arrival of a probable cure or effective preventive measures that would curb the number of deaths from the plague (Halkitis 120). The controversy within the GLBT and the intensive overview of the organization disagreements on how the campaigns should be carried out sets How to Survive a Plague a unique documentary in comparison to the other HIV/AIDS films. The differing opinions within the GLBT organization were whether the fighting meant the literal fighting while a section of the members acknowledged a campaign without undue violence. Most of the activists embraced violent campaigns, which led to arrests and further creating a public suspicion about the whole project and efforts. The increased pressure pushed the government to step in to the protocols of testing the drugs that were already being fined. Because of the protests, treatments were made available and the death toll was significantly facing a decline. France creates an atmosphere of sympathy since most of the activists that participated in the campaigns never lived to see the turnaround of their efforts (135). How to Survive a Plague is a stand out documentary that I recommend because of its scope. The narration of this film is perfectly constructed and the captivity from the opening scenes is vehemently appealing. The history of the gay protests in this film spurs the public into campaigns against AIDS in conjunction with the Act-up organization. My personal point of interest was the power used to force health organizations to treat AIDS patients and the government to concern itself. The increasing deaths and the ignorance of the political leaders moved me to tears. Kramer’s admirable leadership qualities are an eye opener to the current world where HIV/AIDS victims are segregated even to date (170). Conclusion David France’s documentary is entirely about the Act-up response to HIV/AIDS and the difficult journey in the process of transforming it to a manageable chronic disease. The perfect use of video footages taken from the early activities of the Act-up group and others make it a reality film. In addition to the main theme HIV/AIDS prevention, it also highlights the challenges of making social movement works. The brilliance of the group, the doctor’s educations and the research by the scientists is extremely captivating. The film brings two aspects within a single documentary, the history of HIV/AIDS and the effectiveness of activism and the challenges that face it. This is a good documentary, entertaining and brings about the sad realities of HIV/AIDS in such a realistic manner, thanks to the struggles of the Act-up group, as Larry Kramer puts it clear that, â€Å"Every single drug that's out there is because of ACT UP, I am convinced. It is the proudest achievement th at the gay population of this world can ever claim†( Harrison n. p). Work Cited Halkitis, Perry N. The Aids Generation: Stories of Survival and Resilience. New York: Oxford University Press, 2014. Print. Harrison, Margot. Movies you missed 77: How to survive a plaque. Web. 7th May 2014.