Longtime Companion (1989)

Such a frustrating disappointment

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

Craig Lucas adapted his own play about the confusion and panic over the on-set of the AIDS disease in the early 1980s, as seen through the lives of a circle of gay men in New York. Lucas dives headfirst into the story with minimal introductions, pinpointing the initial awareness of AIDS and the different reactions to personal crises; he doesn't get into the anger--the rage--of the illness, but instead focuses on the quiet sorrow, giving the film a somewhat soft, blurry edge (it isn't a preachy film, which is good, but neither it is gripping). The wonderful cast of actors (with kudos to Mary-Louise Parker as the proverbial indefatigable gal-pal) provides warmth and emotion even as Lucas' screenplay takes curious short-cuts. The early scenes aren't shaped, and much of the handling seems static. However, as we come to know these men, the picture's obvious good intentions give way to moving human drama, leading to a conclusion which transcends sentiment. It's a sure-footed sequence, exceptionally well done. **1/2 from ****

It is difficult to definite this movie. At first sight it is a movie about AIDS and the impact of illness in gay community. In fact it is only a chronicle of a time of hope and fear, jokes and firelight. "Long time companion" is slice of Reagan era but a definition of the special vision about life. Small existences are parts of powerful chains of friendship and love. A newspaper's article shatters the peace of a community. Rumurs,anxiety, confusion. And a huge waiting. The shadow of "homosexual cancer" is present like ambiguous threat. The firs victims and the glamor of film : the compassion is form of fear but this status is source of resistance. A realistic touching way to describe the relation with illness and with others. I saw this film like the root of "Angels in America". Like a pleading not for tolerance (is it no a subtle form of hypocrisy?) but for the way of empathy. And the great merit of Norman Rene is the art to create a gorgeous gallery of winsome portraits, to present their everyday existence, the enjoys, sorrows, emotions, fight, mutual assistance. A very beautiful, intelligent and impressive movie.

Longtime Companion draws you into the personal lives of young gay men. We feel what it is like to be held in the grip of fear, to watch friends and lovers die, to experience the prejudice and indifference of the Hetrosexual world, and to comfort the sick and the dying with compassion.By being invited briefly into our community, you'll gain a much needed perspective on what AIDS has meant to gay community and from them you'll learn of the challenges the disease poses to the rest of the world.Longtime Companion lingers in our mind far after the closing credits have appeared on the screen. With its remarkable humor and humanity, this film about love and loss proclaims that caring and compassion are what make us human. It is about all the things that should make us what we are, as a race.

and this film should continue to make an impression over time as well. The performances by Campbell Scott, Mr. Davison and Mark Lamos deserve special mention. There is also a pivotal role with Dermot Mulroney, before he was big box-office.Many reviewers have mentioned the theme, so I will not belabor the point. I will mention that, other than the film "The Band Played On", this film addresses the human issues involved with AIDS, or any illness. It has a message without being trite or preachy, or melodramatic. This is difficult to pull off, if you watch other movies of this genre they often do not ring true, or the performances are over the top. This movie makes the audience feel part of it, those of us who grew up in the 80's remember the Reagan jokes, the first "Dynasty" episode to address the AIDS issue, and so on. There was a lot of denial at this time, and I am not so sure there still isn't, in some sectors of society.At any rate, you should rent or buy this movie if you haven't been able to catch it on cable. I am hard pressed to think of other movies which have addressed this issue in a sensitive, realistic way; "Torch Song Trilogy" with Harvey Fierstein and Matthew Broderick was an excellent film, but did not address the AIDS issue directly. If anyone can think of any please recommend them!.