The Beneficial Effects of ‘Companion’

I was heartened to hear Madonna (in her Advocate interview excerpted in Liz Smith’s column, Calendar, April 17) wish for more mainstream films about gay lifestyles and the problem of AIDS. But I was a little less heartened by her depiction of “Longtime Companion” as “an art-house movie that nobody saw.” Not a very true description of a film that had the courage of its own convictions as well as the convictions and concern of many others.

It becomes, by the implication of her description, a film that accomplished nothing in the raising of awareness essential to addressing, much less solving, one of the primary scourges of our times.

While the paying-customer numbers were modest compared to most studio releases, thanks to many reviewers somebody saw it. Somebody’s mind was enlarged. Somebody’s response was activated. Some rigid perceptions changed. Small independent films can have a reach far wider than can be measured by first release statistics--so a film of this nature is not without impact. It will also reach public television this fall, which will certainly expand its impact.

The “mainstream” Hollywood powers have had more than 10 years to come up with a “mainstream” film that would adequately portray not only gays in everyday life, but the heroic battle being fought by thousands of men and women waging the war against AIDS.

No one wanted to make “Longtime Companion.” It took the dedicated efforts of Lindsay Law of PBS’ “American Playhouse” to come up with the funding, more limited than even the most low-budget Hollywood standards, to get it made. He could have used the Hollywood money then.

Even after completion, every major studio turned it down. They all said how wonderful it was and how sad that it might not get released, but it “wasn’t for them.” It took the guts of Tom Rothman and the Samuel Goldwyn Co. to put their money where their ethics were and distribute it. We could have used the Hollywood power then.

Some carped that “Longtime Companion” didn’t take in the full scope of gay lifestyles or the entire spectrum of AIDS victims. This was just one film about one group of friends involved in a tragedy that no one could understand or control. I hope that there will be other films that take a chance. There are so many stories to be told here. In fact, if Madonna wishes to have a big-budget mainstream film made, there’s Randy Shilts’ “And the Band Played On,” which has been waiting for the world to make it for years.

If you’re ready to produce, star or direct one, Madonna, I applaud you. And if you can persuade some of the Hollywood powers, whose heads are still in the sand, to come along with you, more power to you. But wishing won’t do it.