How to Survive a Plague

How to Survive a Plague is a compelling and emotionally charged 2012 documentary set at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and early 1990s. This powerful film features important figures like activist Peter Staley, controversial playwright Larry Kramer and scientist Iris Long as they wage an unwavering fight against the disease and the government's indifference towards it. The documentary is directed by David France, a journalist who covered the AIDS epidemic extensively during the period.

The film opens in an era when HIV and AIDS were decimating communities around the world, but particularly the gay community in the United States who faced unparalleled stigma and discrimination. The film's title, "How To Survive A Plague," provides a sense of the life-or-death stakes these activists were dealing with. It's a dark, grim period in global history, but it's the story of a fightback, a story about standing up in the face of adversity, ruthless advocacy, desperate hope, and ultimately, survival.

The primary focus of How to Survive a Plague is the fascinating story of the activist groups ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group). These groups, filled with passionate and vociferous individuals, were at the forefront of the fight against AIDS and were determined to change the prognosis for Americans affected by the disease. The film highlights how these individuals essentially became experts in the biology of HIV and AIDS to demand improved research, expedited drug trials, and more effective treatments. Their influence was so transformative that they were integrated into the very public health institutions that they protested against, bringing their lived experiences and expert knowledge into the scientific and bureaucratic folds.

Throughout the film, stories are told through the lens of a rich archive of filmed footage from protests, meetings, and news coverage. These are often intensively emotional moments, capturing the palpable anger, fear and sadness of the era. The film does not shy away from the personal stories and the daily struggles that these activists faced. It presents a vivid picture of the human toll of the epidemic, with intimate glimpses into the lives of those living with the disease and the ceaseless torment of losing friends and lovers.

Peter Staley, one of the key members of ACT UP and TAG, features prominently throughout the film. Formerly a bond trader at JP Morgan, Staley was diagnosed with AIDS-related complex in the late '80s. He dedicated the subsequent years of his life to AIDS activism, harnessing a unique blend of direct action and lobbying skills to make a significant impact on the shape of AIDS research and policies.

Larry Kramer, co-founder of ACT UP and renowned for his confrontational style, serves as an urgent, compelling voice in the film. Known for his passion as well as his sometimes polarizing tactics, Kramer continually pushes for more to be done, more quickly. The film includes memorable scenes of Kramer's notoriously fiery speeches, which never fail to rouse both audiences in and outside of the film.

The narrative of the film also pays due homage to Iris Long, a retired chemist who became a crucial part of the TAG team. As a straight, older woman, Long stands out among the mostly young, gay men in the groups. Her incisive understanding of the medical and pharmaceutical industry is crucial to the activists’ mission and played a huge part in their successes.

How to Survive a Plague is more than just a documentary – it’s an incredible chronicle of one of the most fiery and potentially effective instances of citizen activism in American history. The remarkable footage, combined with present-day interviews, eloquently captures the resilience and courage of a generation that refused to die quietly. It’s a celebration and testament to the power of collective action and the enduring human spirit.