You are here:

Buddies

Name: Buddies
Director: Arthur J. Bressan, Jr.
Released: 1985
Duration: 81 min

Representation Score

8.8/10

Excellent

1985

Director

Arthur J. Bressan, Jr.

Runtime

81 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Buddies is a groundbreaking film that offers an unfiltered look at the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. By focusing on the dignity and political engagement of its gay characters, the film goes beyond mere representation to explore the profound communal struggles faced during that time. The film's strength lies in its ability to break down traditional social hierarchies and challenge rigid masculine stereotypes through themes of vulnerability and mutual support. However, the narrative remains ethnically homogeneous, reflecting a specific, predominantly white urban subculture. While historically accurate, it lacks broader racial diversity within its central character arcs.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Buddies have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the experiences of gay men and same-sex relationships. It presents a nuanced view of queer individuals, particularly through Robert, a politically active activist dealing with a terminal illness.

How does Buddies portray gender?

Good

The movie challenges traditional masculine stereotypes by highlighting emotional vulnerability and care. It emphasizes the importance of emotional support and interdependence among men.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Buddies?

Fair

The story is set within a predominantly white LGBTQ+ community of the mid-1980s. It lacks visible diversity in terms of race within the main character arcs.

How does Buddies represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film criticizes institutional apathy and highlights the subjective truths of underrepresented communities. It underscores the importance of community-led survival over established Western institutions.

Does Buddies include disability representation?

Excellent

The film handles the reality of an AIDS diagnosis with dignity, avoiding pity. It avoids inspirational stories and focuses on the complex resilience needed to cope with chronic illness.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced portrayal of queer identity and political engagement.
Challenges rigid masculinity by emphasizing emotional vulnerability and interdependence.
Handles chronic illness with dignity, avoiding sensationalism or pity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks visible diversity in race within the main character arcs.
Focuses on a largely homogeneous ethnic composition within the urban subculture.

Official Synopsis

David, a naive graduate student, has volunteered to work as a 'buddy' for people dying of AIDS. Assigned to the intensely political Robert, a lifelong activist whose friends and family have abandoned him following his diagnosis, the two men, each with notably different world views, soon discover common bonds, as David's inner activist awakens and Robert's need for emotional release is fulfilled.

How are these scores produced? →