Whether you’re a regular Queerty reader or just a regular gay person, you’re probably already looking forward to the upcoming film version of The Normal Heart. After decades in development hell, Ryan Murphy has finally adapted and directed the great Larry Kramer‘s searing, semi-autobiographical chronicle of the early years of the AIDS epidemic in New York City. With a star-studded cast headlined by Mark Ruffalo as the Kramer stand-in Ned Weeks and featuring performances by Julia Roberts, Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons and Taylor Kitsch, the drama will premiere on HBO next spring.
“It’s a movie about AIDS, but it’s also really a civil rights movie,” Murphy told Entertainment Weekly. “I think it’s more timely than ever before. It’s really about the quest to be seen, not as a gay person or a straight person but just a person…. It’s an activist movie that also has a really great love story in it.” Adds the director, “Of everything I’ve done in my career, I think it is the biggest labor of love.”
HBO has just released promo reel of their 2013 highlights and projects to look forward to next year that includes footage from both its equally-anticipated new gay-themed dramedy series Looking and the Murphy-Kramer film. Check it out below (The Normal Heart clip begins around the 2:38 mark).
Photo Credit: Jojo Whilden/HBO
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balehead
looks tired…..
AuntieChrist
It’s so great being an old married lady. Me and my not yet legal husband of 24 years 5 months can kick back enjoy our HBO on our new American made Dane Design U shaped sofa all cozy and warm while the wind and the world howls around us. Happy Holidays bitches, love you.
MikeE
@balehead: No. What’s “tired” is your continuous blathering, criticism,and general bitchiness. You don’t want to watch a film based on a play that depicts a seminal moment in LGBT history? Then don’t. But otherwise just shut the fu@k up. Or better yet, go away. Really, everyone here pretty much hates you. Is that your goal? Being the single most detested person on every website/forum/blog that you visit?
If so, well, you’ve succeeded. And if so, well, you really are more pathetic than anyone imagines. Sad, sad little troll.
the other Greg
Mark Ruffalo, always worth watching.
@MikeE: Naw, balehead is not the most detested Queerty-ite, he’s a distant #2 to jimbryant / brian / jason / Rick!
BEN COOPER
I am truly thrilled that THE NORMAL HEART will finally be on HBO Film. It was a very important time in historical gay culture and New York City gay culture too. It is also an important story about the AIDS epidemic within the gay culture. It was a truly scary, sad, depressing time that reminded us all how society can turn on any group that isn’t the norm and status quo. AIDS took many beautiful and talented people way before their time, and practically turned them in to lepers right in our homeland. I personally lost at least 25 friends to this desease. The devastation was truly surreal. So many talented artists, Broadway stars, and young people, gone way too soon. I am thankful there was a Larry Kramer and ACT UP ORGANIZATION that brought this epidemic to the public’s attention and forefront.
HUBBELL
FINALLY!!!! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOVIE SINCE BARBRA STREISAND WAS GOING TO DO IT YEARS AGO. I CAN’T WAIT. I KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE GREAT AND SINCE I LIVED THROUGH THAT PERIOD OF TIME IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND TO THOSE I HAVE LOST THAT HELP FIGHT THAT BATTLE.
HUBBELL FOWLER
HOUSTON, TX
Callum
I wonder if Mr. Kramer himself has any comment.