Philadelphia Movie Review
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Philadelphia Movie Review
Introduction
“Philadelphia” is a landmark film that was directed by Jonathan Demme in 1993 to address the
stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with HIV/AIDS and homosexuality. AIDS was
highly stigmatized and predominantly associated with the LGBTQ+ community in the late 20th
century in the United States, which led to fear and prejudice. The film follows the storyline of
Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired because of his HIV status, and Joe Miller, who
overcomes his own biases to fight for Andrew’s justice. I feel sympathetic and empathetic about
how the movie “Philadelphia” uses the journeys of Andrew Becket and Joe Miller to explore
stigma, legal and social justice, gender, and religious and personal issues, which relates to the
theories of systematic interactionism, conflict, family systems, and structural functioning.
Movie Background Information
“Philadelphia” is a drama film directed by Jonathan Demme in 1993, focusing on the
sensitive issues of HIV/AIDS, social and legal struggles, and homophobia. The film explores the
diversity issues of homophobia, especially in professional and legal fields, as the protagonist,
Andrew Beckett, faces discrimination and wrongful termination of the employment contract after
the employer discovers his health condition (Demme, 1993, 00:22:58- 00:23:18). The movie
directly addresses the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, highlighting the medical and social challenges
faced by those living with the disease. The film also highlights the battles that people living with
HIV face within the society. After terminating his contract, Andrew sued his employer and
approached Joe Miller to represent him in court. As such, the movie focuses on the diversity
issues of social struggles, HIV/AIDS stigma, and fear, which were prevalent in society in the late
20th century.
Characters and Plot
The main characters in the movie are Andrew Beckett, Joe Miller, Charles Wheeler,
Miguel Alvarez, and Belinda Conine, played by Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Roberts,
Antonio Banderas, and Mary Steenburgen, respectively. In the film, Miller is a personal injury
lawyer who initially holds prejudices against people with AIDS and homosexuals but later
changes, while Beckett is one whose HIV diagnosis leads to his employment contract
termination. The management, through Wheeler, fires him, citing incompetent reasons for
misplacing orders and having a bad attitude (Demme, 1993, 00:24:57- 00:25:55). Wheeler is the
managing director at Andrew’s law firm. In turn, Alvarez is Andrew’s supportive partner, who
helps him fight his illness and legal battles, while Conine is the defense attorney representing the
law firm in the case of Andrew’s discrimination suit.
Philadelphia’s plot focuses on Andrew Beckett, a rising professional lawyer whose
contract gets terminated after his employers realize that he is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
Initially, he struggles to find a lawyer to represent him after approaching nine different ones
because of society’s widespread stigma and prejudice (Demme, 1993, 23:34- 00:23:45). Joe
Miller agrees to represent him even though he also upholds the prejudices. He believes that he is
fired because of discrimination based on his illness and sexual orientation, which prompts him to
seek legal representation (Demme, 1993, 00:27:30- 00:27:43). Their partnership allows Joe to
overcome his biases and fight for justice. Therefore, courtroom battles and personal journeys
reflect the theme of societal prejudices and the courage needed to overcome them.
Issues the Movie Addressed
The movie’s plot and characters address stigma, legal, and social justice issues. The film
explores the issues of HIV stigma by examining the social challenges and medical
misconceptions that people with the disease face in society. In the office setting, his employers
continuously observe his actions and physical symptoms, which demonstrates their discomfort
and underlying stigma towards the disease (Demme, 1993, 00:09:10- 00:9:20). When Andrew is
in the doctor’s office explaining his HIV diagnosis, the physician’s reactions show the medical
misconceptions that revolve around the condition. Philadelphia also addresses the issues of legal
and social injustice through employment rights and justice system bias through Andrew’s
interactions. As a result, Belinda Conine, the defense attorney, cross-examines him, focusing on
his personal life and health, depicting the bias within the legal system.
The film also addresses gender, religious, and personal relationship issues. The movie
emphasizes the issues of friendship and personal growth through Joe’s transformation and
support systems. Even though Miller initially holds prejudice and stereotypes as per society’s
standards, his character starts to understand the inhumanities and injustices that Andrew faces in
his daily activities, especially after overhearing his conversation with his partner at the hotel
(Demme, 1993, 00:34:30- 00:35:57). In Andrew’s workplace environment, most of the lawyers
depicted in the movie are male, highlighting the male-dominated environment within the legal
and justice system during the period. In the courtroom, the defense attorney shows prejudice
towards sexuality and health conditions of Andrew in her arguments. In turn, Miller’s initial
discomfort with Andrew’s case results from his cultural background, which demonstrates a
strong intersection between religion and prejudice.
Impact and Intent of the Movie
The movie made me feel sympathetic and empathetic through Andrew’s illegal contract
termination and HIV diagnosis. During the courtroom scene, the defense attorney said that
Andrew Becket was dying because of his reckless behaviors and lifestyle and that he was only
using the lawsuit to satisfy his anger (Demme, 1993, 00:51:52- 00:52:30). I also felt sympathetic
for these comments and his wrongful contract termination and the unjust discrimination he faced
at his former workplace. His courtroom testimony concerning his painful experiences with
discrimination and illness makes me feel his pain and injustice. In turn, I was also amused by
Miller’s transformation from prejudice to a welcoming attitude, which helped to create a strong
relationship and bond between them.
As for me, I think that the movie was meant to make me feel sympathetic and amused. I
think that the primary intention of “Philadelphia” is to raise awareness concerning the fear and
stigma related to HIV/AIDS and homosexuality. The film uses Andrew’s story to humanize
people affected by AIDS and prevent the stigma that surrounds the disease. I believe that
Miller’s transformation from prejudicial to understanding encourages the audience to overcome
their biases. Therefore, the movie was supposed to convey the message of compassion,
understanding, and justice to individuals affected by the disease.
There was an obvious conflict addressed based on culture in the film through Miller’s
prejudice and Andrew’s discrimination. Miller initially refuses to take Andrew Beckett’s case
due to his cultural prejudices against homosexuality and AIDS, remaining reluctant to talk to him
in his office (Demme, 1993, 00:21:54-00:22:55). His actions reflect the broad societal biases and
misunderstanding against people with AIDS and LGBTQ+ members. There is also the cultural
conflict that results in Andrew’s discrimination at the law firm based on his sexual orientation
and HIV status, highlighting the professional and cultural discrimination that such individuals
face in society. The resolution for Miller’s prejudice occurs gradually as he undergoes personal
growth to overcome his biases and prejudices. A resolution is reached regarding Andrew’s
unlawful contract termination when the jury rules in his favor, awarding him fees for the
damages and discrimination faced. As a result, the resolution partially satisfies all the parties as
Andrew wins the case even though he continuously reflects on his emotional wounds.
No physical violence is depicted in the movie, even though there are still better ways to
resolve the conflict. Governments and health services need to educate the population concerning
HIV/AIDS and design workplace inclusivity training to prevent the emergence of such disputes
(Ratnawati et al., 2024, p. 62). Workplaces can also implement solid anti-discrimination policies
to protect victims from such injustices. If I face challenges similar to those faced by Andrew in
the movie, I would advocate for my rights through legal channels and close friends. However,
my reactions would vary from those of Andrew. Thus, I would still maintain his empathy,
resilience, and commitment to justice for my experiences.
Four Theories
Systemic Interactionism and Conflict Theory
The movie depicts the theories of systemic interactionism and conflict theory through its
HIV stigma and sexual orientation discrimination scenes. Systemic interaction theory highlights
that people find meaning in specific places, individuals, and societal and cultural norms, whether
acting individually or collectively (Azarian, 2023, p. 553). In the movie, Andrew Beckett’s
contract termination from the law firm due to his HIV status reflects how societal stigma toward
people with AIDS shapes personal interactions. Throughout the film, colleagues and strangers
react negatively to Andrew’s presence, depicting symbolic interactionism. “Philadelphia” also
illustrates the conflict theory when Andrew faces discrimination due to his social orientation.
Conflict theory examines existing power dynamics and inequalities within a specific society,
which drives antagonism between family members and groups (Hendriks et al., 2024, p. 1). In
the movie, Andrew’s legal battles against his former employer for illegal termination due to his
illness reflect the broader systemic issues of prejudice that exist against marginalized groups. He
struggles for justice and continuously confronts powerful institutions such as the law firm and
the courtroom. As such, the movie’s actions and characters reflect upon the conflict and systemic
interactionism theories, based on Andrew’s conflict with powerful institutions and
discriminatory interactions with colleagues and strangers, respectively.
Family Systems and Structural Functionalism Theory
The film also focuses on family systems and structural functionalism theory by
portraying Andrew’s family support and the social structures that exist in society. According to
Dunst (2023), personal and environmental factors such as location, culture, and religion
influence how parents would like their children to grow up as they guide them on system
practices and parental quality (p. 1). In “Philadelphia,” the theory is reflected through Andrew’s
family’s struggles with his sexuality and illness. At some point, his mother refuses to visit him at
the hospital because of his sexuality, reflecting on the complexities of familial relationships and
the impact of societal norms on individual acceptance. The movie also reflects on the structural
functionalism theory by demonstrating how institutions and social structures play an essential
role in society's functioning. The movie’s portrayal of the legal system, workplace environments,
and healthcare institutions reflects the structural issues of discrimination, legal justice, and
healthcare access. As such, Andrew’s interactions with his friends and family and the existing
institutions portray the influence of family systems and structural functionalism theory on
society’s practices and norms.
Conclusion
“Philadelphia” is a 1993 film that explores the significant issues of HIV/AIDS stigma,
homophobia, and workplace discrimination. The film highlights cultural prejudices and the
importance of empathy and justice throughout Andrew Beckett’s legal battle journey. Joe
Miller’s transformation from prejudice to understanding reflects the potential for societal change.
The movie’s conflict resolution highlights the need for continued advocacy and education to
combat discrimination and support marginalized communities. The movie explores cultural
issues through various theoretical lenses, such as symbolic interactionism, family systems,
conflict, and structural functionalism theories. The film highlights societal complexities and
challenges prevailing norms against people with HIV diagnosis. Therefore, it is essential to
educate the public concerning the need for justice, acceptance, and equality towards HIV and
homosexual victims.
References
Azarian, R. (2023). Social construction of places as Meaningful objects: A Symbolic
interactionist approach. International Review of Sociology/Revue Internationale De
Sociologie, 33, 546–564. https://doi.org/10.1080/03906701.2023.2259060
Demme, J. (Director). (1993). Philadelphia. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107818/
Dunst, C. J. (2023). Meta-Analyses of the relationships between family systems practices,
parents’ psychological health, and parenting quality. International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health, 20(18), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186723
Hendriks, I., Lubbers, M., & Scheepers, P. (2024). Individual change in rejection of equal
opportunities for foreigners among adolescents and young adults in Switzerland: Testing
Realistic conflict Theory from a dynamic perspective. PloS One, 19(2), 1–20.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296883
Ratnawati, D., Setiawan, A., Sahar, J., Widyatuti, Nursasi, A. Y., & Siregar, T. (2024).
Improving adolescents’ HIV/AIDS prevention behavior: A phenomenological study of
the experience of planning generation program (GenRe) ambassadors as peer educators.
Belitung Nursing Journal, 10(1), 56–66. https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.2883
