The Age of AIDS

This two-part, four-hour history of the AIDS epidemic, produced for the PBS-aired Frontline series, is an important, powerful documentary that presents a chronological survey stretching some 25 years, from the first appearance of the mysterious, often misdiagnosed, disease to our current knowledge and treatment methods, touching upon all of the major events and developments. Deftly interweaving narration and newsreel footage together with comments from patients, physicians, scientists, politicians, and activists (including Bono and former President Clinton), the film traces the research (sometimes involving rival teams) that eventually unlocked the secrets of the baffling illness, while also examining the political and religious pressures that have continually stymied progress in trying to finding the cure. The Age of AIDS also examines the social forces unleashed by the spread of AIDS, which gave rise to homophobic panic and opposition to preventive measures on the one hand, but also spurred others to acts of remarkable courage and compassion. Citing recent medical breakthroughs—and examining the ethical and economic issues raised regarding exporting lifesaving drugs to Africa and elsewhere—the documentary concludes with a warning that while our understanding has substantially increased over the decades, the spread of the pandemic continues despite heroic volunteer efforts and increasing governmental efforts to stem the tide. The Age of AIDS juxtaposes triumphs and blunders to paint a definitive portrait of one of the monumental tragedies of modern times. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)