In the stirring film 120 BPM, directed by Robin Campillo and recipient of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017, the audience is transported to the vibrant world of ACT UP. Set in Paris during the 1980s and ’90s, this gripping portrayal of the AIDS crisis serves as a testament to the power of activism and the resilience of the LGBTQ community.
The film opens with muffled speeches and a sense of anticipation among the crowd. ACT UP members assemble, ready to protest and fight for the rights of those living with AIDS. The Paris branch of ACT UP, an activist group originally founded in New York in 1989, becomes the focal point of the narrative, embodying the spirit of resistance and solidarity.
Campillo masterfully weaves together protests and organizational meetings, creating a captivating rhythm reminiscent of heist movies. The urgency of these demonstrations is palpable, as the stakes are nothing short of life and death. The film highlights the persistent stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, a remnant of the devastating AIDS crisis era. Despite medical advancements that have transformed the virus from a death sentence to a manageable condition, the stigma continues to cast a shadow on the queer community.
Within ACT UP, diverse voices and perspectives clash, sparking heated discussions on strategies and tactics. The group grapples with the balance between peaceful interactions and more radical approaches. Every meeting is filled with tension, reminiscent of vital history coming to life. The film showcases the dedication and bravery of these activists, whose voices demand to be heard and acted upon, as lives hang in the balance.
The protests themselves are intense and euphoric, conveying a sense of urgency that permeates each scene. Whether storming pharmaceutical companies, marching in the streets with pom-poms, or engaging in educational outreach, the demonstrations mirror the lack of responsiveness from those entities ACT UP seeks to hold accountable. The film reveals the unyielding commitment of ACT UP members, emphasizing the profound truth expressed on a protest placard: “SILENCE = DEATH.”
Beyond the protests and activism, 120 BPM also delves into the lives of the individuals on the front lines of the crisis. The characters, encompassing not only those affected by the virus but also their allies, families, and concerned citizens, find solace and support within ACT UP. This groundbreaking portrayal humanizes the struggles, hopes, and joys of these individuals, emphasizing that they are more than mere victims of a virus.
Among the personal stories, a blossoming romance between Sean and Nathan takes center stage. Sean, HIV-positive, and Nathan, HIV-negative, navigate the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of the epidemic. Their chemistry is undeniable, their love potent, and their intimate moments depicted with unflinching honesty. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and hope that persist even in the face of an inevitable fate.
120 BPM is a tour de force that not only celebrates the progress made but also underscores the work that remains. It intertwines the personal and the political, shedding light on the immense losses endured during the AIDS crisis while igniting an urgent call for further action. This film stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of activism and the enduring power of love within the LGBTQ community.