Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: The Normal Heart (2014)

What is it about? 

A group of gay activists attempt to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS during the early 1980's. 

Who is in it? 

Mark Ruffalo - Ned Weeks

Taylor Kitsch - Bruce Niles

Julia Roberts - Dr. Emma Brookner

Favorite Scene: 

After weeks of attempting to break through main stream society, Mickey is called back from vacation in what he hopes was a meeting with the Mayor's only to be stood up. He eventually flips out and shares his fears and frustration with Ned and the rest of the group on their overall cause. 

Favorite Quote: 

"Don't need everybody's love and approval."

Review: 

The Normal Heart is a very interesting film. Not one released to theaters, but developed and produced by HBO, the film is engaging, and progresses into a very powerful and thought provoking picture. There are times where The Normal Heart can be a bit graphic and over the top, but you learn that it was meant to describe exactly what was going, and why this group of activist were trying to change the behavior of a few. And even then, there were some scenes that were unnecessarily graphic. Hey, it's HBO. 

Where The Normal Heart shines is the acting, specifically Mark Ruffalo. Holy smokes, Ruffalo was absolutely amazing. Terrific. All of those snippets of praise that make the movie reviews. Ruffalo has always been a favorite actor of mine as he's usually very good, and that carries over into a good film. The Normal Heart is no different as Ruffalo killed it in the role of Ned. Can't praise it enough. 

If you're able to get through the extremely graphic and sexual scenes, The Normal Heart is a good film that takes you back to when AIDS hit the scene, and it's perspective from the gay community. 

Review: 4/5 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?