BPM

Now that I have seen Robin Campillo's “BPM” (at a screening the CNC arranged last night at the Cinéma des Cinéastes in Paris to thank the members of its selection committees), I envy those who could attend Cannes' premiere. It must have been an extraordinary experience, both aesthetically and emotionally (including for those of us who believe in French cinema and need such great films as symbols and/or even "products" to sell). Not only does this film remind us of Act Up's impressive campaigns of the early 1990s, but it also tells a beautiful love story. The title refers to a time when we (I was a student at the time) discovered the techno culture/music in raves and discotheques. But contrary to what the title may suggest, the film is not about music. Only a few scenes actually take place in a loud musical environment, when the characters either parade in the street or dance in nightclubs.

Was the Government of the time secretly considering AIDS an opportunity to get rid of unpleasant members of society (prisoners, drug addicts, homosexuals, foreigners) and therefore a disease to cure as slowly as possible? Act Up fought for the sick, for those who needed better treatments, or an access to experimental drugs. They fought for a global awareness of the danger. The first half of the film describes the intensity of the internal debates that took place among the members of the NGO: some wanted more aggressive actions, constantly pushing the boundaries of the acceptable or necessary deeds, others debated the nature of the emergency, the opportunity of debating with pharmaceutical firms... The reenactments of those debates has documentary qualities of outstanding value. But “BPM” is not a documentary.

I do not think a single interpretation is to be found in the film. On the contrary, I consider it a deeply intriguing and ambiguous psychological adventure, showing how challenging the virus can be for those who have been contaminated and for those who live with them. In a way, “BPM” tells the importance of being earnest, and the personal quest that takes one from acceptance, to doubt, to clairvoyance, to peace... It is a tale of life and death, of hope, struggle, emancipation, and love. And a lot more than that...