BPM (Beats Per Minute) 2017
Directed by
Robin Campillo
Made by
Orchard, The
Plot Summary
In the early 1990s, a dedicated group of HIV/AIDS activists from the Paris chapter of ACT UP fervently fights to initiate real action against the AIDS epidemic that has ravaged lives. While the French government signals its support for those affected by HIV/AIDS, the activists feel compelled to confront their sluggish response, leading to bold public protests where they accuse the authorities of censorship and minimizing the urgency of the crisis.
Tensions escalate when the pharmaceutical company Melton Pharm announces its plan to unveil HIV trial results at a major conference the following year. In a daring move, ACT UP storms the company’s offices armed with fake blood, demanding immediate transparency regarding the trial outcomes. As ACT UP gains traction with their fervent demonstrations, deep rifts begin to emerge within the group. Members engage in fierce debates about their strategies, toggling between showmanship and the need for effective persuasion, navigating the conflicting aesthetics of positivity versus despair.
Amidst the whirlwind of activism, members express their desire to organize a more impactful Gay Pride parade, lamenting the overshadowing sense of loss and the “zombie” atmosphere the AIDS crisis has contributed to. There are broad discussions in large meetings, where radical voices call for more direct action, while others wish to retain channels of communication with scientists to hasten the delivery of crucial results. A deaf participant underscores the possibility of pursuing both direct action and organized meetings with research labs.
The narrative takes a darker turn when tensions within the group surface, leading to confrontations, such as when radicals clash with Hélène, the mother of a teenager who contracted HIV through a blood transfusion. Her advocacy for justice against the politicians responsible for the mishandling of blood screening is met with resistance, illustrating profound divisions within ACT UP about their mission and principles.
As the story unfolds, it steadily transitions from the larger political narrative to focus deeply on the personal lives of ACT UP members. In a poignant turn, Jérémie, a young man living with HIV, experiences a swift decline in health. In honor of his memory, the group marches through the streets following his death, memorializing him among the legion of AIDS victims. The newcomer Nathan, a gay man not living with HIV, finds himself drawn to the passionate, HIV-positive veteran Sean. Their relationship flourishes even as Sean’s health deteriorates.
Sean shares his painful history of acquiring HIV at the tender age of sixteen after a betrayal by his married math teacher. As his condition worsens with a plummeting T-cell count, Nathan steps in to support him. Their bond culminates tragically when Nathan euthanizes Sean following his discharge from the hospital for end-of-life care. In a poignant tribute, ACT UP holds a wake, reflecting on their shared grief. In accordance with Sean’s wishes, they stage a dramatic demonstration at a health insurance conference, scattering his ashes over the attendees, blending personal loss with defiant activism.
Timeline
ACT UP Formation
In the early 1990s, a devoted group of activists from the Paris chapter of ACT UP comes together to fight against the growing AIDS epidemic. They feel a strong sense of urgency to initiate action and raise awareness in response to the crisis affecting countless lives.
Government Response
The French government acknowledges the plight of those affected by HIV/AIDS, signaling some support for the community. However, ACT UP quickly views this as insufficient and becomes determined to confront the government's slow progress in addressing the epidemic.
Public Protests Begin
Frustrated by the government's inertia, ACT UP organizes bold public protests. During these demonstrations, they publicly accuse authorities of censorship and downplaying the urgency of the AIDS crisis, demanding immediate action to save lives.
Melton Pharm Announcement
Tensions rise when Melton Pharm reveals plans to announce its HIV trial results at an upcoming conference. ACT UP perceives this as an opportunity to press for transparency regarding the treatment's efficacy, making their next move essential.
Storming the Offices
In a bold and daring action, ACT UP storms the offices of Melton Pharm with fake blood, demanding to know the results of their HIV trials. This confrontation highlights their fight for accountability and urgency surrounding HIV treatment breakthroughs.
Internal Struggles
As ACT UP grows, internal divisions begin to emerge, with members engaging in heated debates over strategies. The tension between pursuing aggressive tactics versus maintaining dialogue with scientists creates a challenging atmosphere within the group.
Planning for Pride
Recognizing the impact of the AIDS crisis on their community, ACT UP members discuss organizing a more significant Gay Pride parade. They express concerns about the overshadowing sense of loss that has permeated their lives and seek to reclaim their celebration.
Clash of Ideals
A confrontation occurs when radicals within ACT UP clash with Hélène, a mother advocating for justice after her son contracted HIV via a blood transfusion. This event reveals deep divisions over how best to confront injustices and push for change within the group.
Jérémie's Decline
Amidst the activism, the story focuses on Jérémie, a young man living with HIV who faces a rapid decline in health. His deterioration serves as a painful reminder of the epidemic's relentless toll on individuals and becomes a catalyst for ACT UP's actions.
March for Jérémie
Following Jérémie's death, ACT UP organizes a march through the streets in his memory. They honor him as part of the larger legion of AIDS victims, transforming their grief into a call for continued activism and remembrance.
Nathan and Sean's Relationship
Newcomer Nathan, a gay man not living with HIV, becomes involved with Sean, a passionate activist whose health is deteriorating. Their relationship blossoms amidst the challenges of living with a chronic illness, showcasing both love and hardship.
Sean's Hospitalization
Sean experiences increasingly severe health issues, with his T-cell count plummeting. Nathan steps in to provide support during this critical time, illustrating the intense personal struggles faced by those living with HIV.
Nathan's Heartbreaking Choice
After Sean is discharged from the hospital for end-of-life care, Nathan faces the agonizing decision to euthanize him, granting his partner peace. This moment is a significant turning point in the narrative, marking the intersection of personal love and loss.
Final Wake for Sean
ACT UP holds a wake for Sean, allowing members to reflect on their shared grief and the impact of his loss on the group. This gathering emphasizes the community's bond in the face of personal tragedy and collective struggle.
Dramatic Demonstration
In a powerful tribute to Sean, ACT UP stages a demonstration at a health insurance conference, scattering his ashes among the attendees. This act merges personal mourning with their ongoing fight for justice, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity.
Characters
Sean (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart)
Sean is a charismatic and passionate member of ACT UP, embodying the struggle of living with HIV. His history of acquiring the virus at a young age and the emotional toll it takes on him shape his interactions with others. As his health declines, Sean's relationship with Nathan deepens, making his tragic fate all the more poignant.
Nathan (Arnaud Valois)
Nathan is a newcomer to ACT UP who becomes increasingly involved in the fight against AIDS. Though not living with HIV himself, he feels a strong connection to Sean, resulting in a deeply supportive relationship. Nathan's development throughout the narrative illustrates his evolution from an outsider to a committed activist, culminating in a heartbreaking decision.
Hélène (Catherine Vinatier)
Hélène is a mother advocating for justice regarding the mishandling of blood screening that affected her child. Her fierce determination reflects the personal stakes many faced during the crisis, highlighting the emotional burden of loss and injustice. Hélène embodies the divide within the activist community regarding strategies in addressing the epidemic.
Setting
Time period
Early 1990s
The early 1990s was a tumultuous period marked by the AIDS crisis, which claimed countless lives and sparked a wave of activist movements. Governments and pharmaceutical companies faced intense scrutiny for their slow responses to the epidemic, leading activists to take matters into their own hands. As society grappled with fear and stigma, the fight for visibility and immediate action became paramount.
Location
Paris
Paris, known as 'The City of Light', has long been a hub for culture, art, and activism. In the early 1990s, it became a focal point for the fight against the AIDS epidemic, with the Paris chapter of ACT UP leading bold protests and advocacy efforts. The city's vibrant streets served as both a backdrop for public demonstrations and a stage for impassioned activism.
Themes
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Activism
The film intricately explores themes of activism as members of ACT UP rally against government complacency and corporate negligence. Their passionate protests and discussions highlight the urgent fight for lives at risk, showcasing the power of organized resistance. Through personal and collective actions, the film portrays how the struggle for health rights intertwines with individual stories of loss.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative as characters confront the harsh realities of an epidemic that has decimated their community. The film poignantly captures the grief of losing friends and loved ones to HIV/AIDS, bringing a deeply personal touch to the larger political struggle. This theme resonates as characters navigate their sorrow while engaging in activism, illustrating the intertwining of personal and collective mourning.
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Crisis
The AIDS crisis forms the backdrop of the film, emphasizing the urgency and negligence surrounding the epidemic. With bold demonstrations confronting societal apathy and corporate practices, the narrative brings awareness to the dire situation of those affected. This theme of crisis reflects not only health-related challenges but also societal indifference, igniting a call for change.
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