Film Review: The Normal Heart

Director: Ryan Murphy

A 2014 American drama television film directed by Ryan Murphy and written by Larry Kramer, based on his own 1985 play of same name. Actor Jim Parsons, mostly known for playing Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory, Jim Mantello have supporting roles here but also starred in the play during a recent run on Broadway. Mark Ruffalo is the lead actor fighting for support in the AIDS epidemic. The TV film was aired on HBO on 25th May and received strong critical reviews.

Ned Weeks (Mark Ruffalo) with Felix Turner (Matt Bomer)

In the summer of 1981 the gay community is enjoying more freedom socially and sexually much to their delight but the epidemic of AIDS begins to take hold. At the time nobody knows what is causing so many gay men to collapse and die so quickly as well as cause others to slowly suffer before dying. Ned (Mark Ruffalo) believes that the government isn't recognising this epidemic due to it only affecting gay men so starts a Gay Health Clinic to help patients and their lovers come to terms with the disease whilst lobbying local and national government.

The acting performances in this movie are very strong, Mark Bomer lost around 40 lbs to play the role of Felix who becomes ravaged with AIDS, whilst Mark Ruffalo is impressive as the incredibly driven and argumentative Ned. Both actors provide real power to this drama with Ned being a rare hero who is also incredibly flawed in his personal and professional life. Whilst Jim Parsons and Taylor Kitsch are capable but not stand out performers, its actually Julia Roberts who seems rather forgettable except for one moment of passionate outrage.

Ned at a fundraiser with Bruce (Taylor Kitsch)

The film is uneven at times, it slowly reels you in rather than having you hooked from the opening scene. Director Ryan Murphy harks back to his American Horror Story roots with a bizarre Subway scene with flashing lights scaring Felix as he sees an AIDS patient in a much worse state than him. Jim Kramer's screenplay really bares its soul on numerous occasions at his outrage towards the lack of action by government's at the time, he channels his frustrations through the character of Ned who is more of a sledgehammer in his protesting style.

3/4 Heartbreaking character based AIDS drama