Longtime Companion (1990)

100% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(2,554 ratings)

At the time of Longtime Companion's release in 1990, the devastating disease of AIDS was seen as a mysterious and deadly scourge, replete with rumors, lies, and panic. As the first narrative film to examine the AIDS epidemic, screenwriter Craig Lucas and director Norman René place the disease in an… More At the time of Longtime Companion's release in 1990, the devastating disease of AIDS was seen as a mysterious and deadly scourge, replete with rumors, lies, and panic. As the first narrative film to examine the AIDS epidemic, screenwriter Craig Lucas and director Norman René place the disease in an historical context, dramatizing the impact of the disease through time in a series of vignettes involving seven gay men. AIDS first made its presence felt surreptitiously, as an article in The New York Times reported on a rare cancer attacking gay men called Karposi's syndrome. Then the Village Voice began a series of in-depth articles concerning a "gay plague" which later became known as AIDS. The film follows the AIDS crisis through the lives of the seven main characters so that they are only aware of AIDS in the historical framework of each episode. The characters include former gay couple Willy (Campbell Scott) and John (Dermot Mulroney), first seen partying at a Fire Island club, who don't pay much attention to the mysterious article in The New York Times but become intimately effected by the disease. There is also Sean (Mark Lamos), a soap opera writer whose mind is slowly deteriorating because of the disease, and his supportive friend David (Bruce Davison). ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Norman René
Written By: Craig Lucas
Genres: Drama, Romance, Gay & Lesbian

In Theaters: May 11, 1990 Wide
On DVD: Jan 23, 2001
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Company

Critic Reviews

Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
One of the better hetero-friendly movies about gays.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Bearing the burden of being the first film about AIDS, Longtime Companion (which premiered at Sundance Fest) had the task of placing the crisis on the national agenda, which meant a gentler, kinder tone; even so, it's a touching, nicely acted feature
Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com
Exceptional ensemble, heart-wrenching
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Formally unadventurous, a little PBS-y, but undeniably moving as it evolves.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A touching story, a bit preachy, but daring for its time.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Good, but not as good as Parting Glances
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A sensitive film that helps us understand the bravery and gallantry of those who have been forced in the prime of life to confront death and grief.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

touching and groundbreaking film, great ensemble acting. you feel these people could be friends. early showcase for mary louise parker and campbell scott.
Alec B

Its surprising. It was made before Philadelphia, focuses on characters that are almost entirely gay men, it covers the entirety of the 1980s, offers a very honest portrait of the AIDS crisis, is a better movie, but Philadelphia is heralded as the definitive film about this subject.… More
Its surprising. It was made before Philadelphia, focuses on characters that are almost entirely gay men, it covers the entirety of the 1980s, offers a very honest portrait of the AIDS crisis, is a better movie, but Philadelphia is heralded as the definitive film about this subject. This film may move a little too fast but it isn't cheesy or award hungry like Philadelphia. It has a great cast and its well made. Deserves way more attention than it gets.

Cast

            Bruce Davison as David

            Campbell Scott as Willy

            Stephen Caffrey as Fuzzy

            Mark Lamos as Sean

            Patrick Cassidy as Howard

            Mary-Louise Parker as Lisa

            John Dossett as Paul

            Brian Cousins as Bob

            Dermot Mulroney as John

            Brad O'Hara as Alec

            Tanya Berezin as Office Manager

            Dan Butler as Walter

            Michael Carmine as Alberto

            Keith Charles as Martin

            Kelly Connell as Man with Soap Script

            David Drake as GMHC Volunteer

            Annie Golden as Herion Addict

            Marceline Hugot as Soap Opera Reader

            Hazel Medina as Triage Nurse

            Philip Moon as Restaurant Bartender

            Joyce Reehling as Office Worker

            Michael Schoeffling as Michael

            Tony Shalhoub as Paul's Doctor

            Margo Skinner as Casting Director

            Welker White as Pochelle

            Robert Joy as Ron

            Brad O'Hare as Waiter

            Freda Foh Shen as Nurse with Addict
See full cast