Rent Film Analysis

The musical Rent has music, lyrics, and book by Jonathan Larson. The story follows a man named Mark, a documentary film maker, and his roommate Roger, a musician, as they face the hardships of living with a low income. The musical is set in the rural district in Manhattan, New York, where HIV spreads through the streets of the East Village and effects the roommates and their friends. As Roger copes with his new life being HIV positive, Mark decides to create a documentary to follow the challenges that Roger faces, as well as the upcoming protest that they plan on supporting. The central theme of Rent is that true love does not discriminate against the diseased. When Angel and Tom Collins sing the song “You Okay Honey,” the realization that
In the beginning of the song, the couple is uneasy about confessing that they are both HIV positive, as Roger and Mimi are facing each other, not making physical contact, as their faces show concern and seriousness. As the song continues, the couple begins to touch hands and make eye contact to symbolize their bond as they fight the disease together, even saying that they will “walk through fire,” fire symbolizing HIV, together. When Roger and Mimi open up to each other, it connects the couple on a whole new level as they understand the hardships that the disease creates in their society. They are better able to support and love each other if they know of their diseases, and it allows the couple to trust each other on a deeper
This musical has helped many people in the past to educate themselves about HIV and AIDS. In our current society, HIV/AIDS is widely known and scientists are still working on a cure. There are precautions to have when becoming sexually active with someone who is diagnosed as HIV/AIDS, but I have not experienced any discrimination within my community against these people. In India, however, they are still fighting for equal rights for people who are HIV positive, as there is a ban for discrimination in the workplace, education system, professional business place and more for people who have HIV/AIDS (Suri). This is a step closer to this disease becoming globally accepted, and it will make our world a more accepting place to live