English is not my main language and because of Australian accent it become so hard for me to understand the play. Can someone tell me a brief and clear summary of the movie story and answer some of my concerns?, please and Thanks.
What was that opening scene about(when Tim is calling on the pay phone)?
John was infected by Tim?
Tim died of AIDS too? or different illness?
The opening scene was when he was in Italy, writing the book about him and John. He called one of the girls that were with him in the play Romeo and Juliet when they were both in school. After the play, they have all been invited to her house for dinner and he must have been writing that scene at the moment. But he couldn't remember where John had been sitting at that dinner, so he called her. I think he was also worried that he was starting to forget details about their life togehter (He told her that it worried him that he can't remember where John had been sitting). However, before she could give him the answer, his money had run out and he didn't have any spare change to call again.
Anyway, at the end of the movie we see that she called the hotel and left a note for him saying that "John was beside you".
Yes, John was infected by Tim. Tim likely got infected when he was at University in the early 80s and when they got back together, he probably infected John.
And yes, Tim and John both died of AIDS related illnesses.
Yes, John was infected by Tim. Tim likely got infected when he was at University in the early 80s and when they got back together
The movie implies this was the only period of time when they were with other men (haven't read the book yet, though I am planning to) so it's the most likely option, but the fact that up until the donors letter and the call that follows it they think John infected Tim suggests there may have been different possible scenarios. I think that shows part of the cruelty of the AIDS/HIV epidemic in the 80's, before people knew to be safe, that you usually didn't know how and when you were infected or who you infected in turn. And the guilt that follows. Like Tim said, it's like unintentionally killing the man you love. It's terrible. But they likely never knew for sure one way or another.
The book is good - well worth reading and probably helps answer your questions
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What a terrifying time to live through! I'm glad you are okay and still with us.
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