For this week’s “Throwback Thursday,” we are headed back to 1993 for an amazing film called “Philadelphia.”
While I am no fan of the City of Brotherly Love, I am a fan of the award-winning film starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. For those who have never seen “Philadelphia,” it’s an amazing film that was one of the first to tackle HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and homophobia.
Hanks stars as attorney Andrew Beckett, an attorney at one of the city’s largest law firms. Beckett is climbing the ladder at the firm until his superiors see a lesion on his forehead. We quickly find out that Beckett is suffering from AIDS, and he is promptly fired from the firm.
Side note: Early in the film, Beckett and attorney Joe Miller (Washington) get on an elevator and scratched into the door are the words “No Justice! No Peace!” — somewhat amazing considering that more than 25 years later, those words were again shouted on the streets of cities throughout the United States, protesting the murder of George Floyd.
After Beckett gets fired, he enlists the services of Miller, who is a bit of an ambulance chaser, albeit a successful one.
Miller, an admitted homophobe, doesn’t want any part of the case. However, when he sees Beckett being discriminated against at the library, he changes his mind and decides to take the case.
“Philadelphia” was truly groundbreaking at the time of its release. After all, HIV/AIDS hadn’t been addressed by mainstream Hollywood, and casting a star like Hanks in the lead role gave the film serious clout. Washington was a star in his own right and “Philadelphia” was the final film in which he didn’t have a lead role.
Like any great film, “Philadelphia” features an all-star cast. In addition to Hanks and Washington, Antonio Banderas is Beckett’s partner, Miguel. Jason Robards is wonderful as the slimy Charles Wheeler, who orchestrates the firing of Beckett. Mary Steenburgen plays attorney Belinda Conine, who represents the firm who fired Beckett.
Hanks won his first Oscar for his portrayal of Beckett and it was well-deserved. By the way, his acceptance speech for his Oscar win is fantastic. You can find it on YouTube. Washington’s performance is also one for the ages. He’s very convincing as a homophobic ambulance chaser. However, you quickly grow to like the character as he begins to understand and show sympathy for Beckett.
There are some tough scenes to watch as we see Beckett wither away and begin to die. Hanks lost all kinds of weight for the role and by the time the trial rolls around, he looks extremely sick.
In addition to Hanks’ first Oscar, Bruce Springsteen picked up a statuette for his haunting song “Streets of Philadelphia.” I was really hoping The Boss would perform it live at the Bryce Jordan Center when he performed there earlier this year, but it was left off the set list.
“Philadelphia” is rated PG-13 for adult themes and language. It is available on Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play and iTunes.
Chris Morelli is the managing editor of The Centre County Gazette.
