Passion and Preference on Film: A Thematic Analysis of Chris Columbus Rent Essay Example

was written, during the onset of the devastating impact of AIDS, gay individuals had to embrace the positive aspects of their sexuality, which were intertwined with the reality of being in a committed relationship. However, this only holds true for Collins and Angel, as Maureen and Joanne, who are either lesbians or pseudo-lesbians, were not directly affected by the virus. On the other hand, Mimi, Roger, and April (Roger's ex-girlfriend) are characters whose lives were and continue to be controlled by AIDS. In comparison to the optimistic outlook of Collins and Angel towards their health, Mimi appears to be overwhelmed by her illness and other difficulties, while April tragically took her own life upon discovering she had AIDS. Some view the characters in the film as rebellious against authority and the bourgeoisie (Focus on the Family, 2008), but a more nuanced understanding of their unconventional choices requires an examination of each individual's unique circumstances. This also correlates with how openly they express their homosexuality: Collins as a more reserved gay man, Angel as a drag queen, Maureen as a radical femme, and Joanne as a straightforward lesbian. Each character has their own motivations for making their choices, so it would be incorrect to lump them all together in one sweeping category. The extent to which they conform to societal norms depends on their confidence in their own sexuality, resulting in Maureen potentially embodying the anti-authority sentiment.According to Binnie (2004), homosexuality is frequently viewed as a form of defiance against societal resistance to accepting their unique qualities. This includes their decision to engage in relationships or explore the possibility of such connections with individuals of the

same gender.

The extreme right believes that AIDS is a necessary part of homosexuality, intending for gay individuals to reconsider their supposedly sinful lifestyles. However, in today's world, AIDS is increasingly affecting gay men, especially younger individuals. Reports indicate that younger men are among the main victims of the disease (Kershaw, 2008). The once ideal scenario for young people, being young with a career and living in New York, has now become the darkest version possible. These individuals are too young and gay to be alone in cold New York, have no job, and have recently been diagnosed with HIV. It is hoped that young gay men will still remember the moving story of Angel and Collins, who overlooked the real health issues and instead focused on the available opportunities in the present moment. Nowadays, youth no longer serves as a protective shield; many individuals lack knowledge and are unwilling to take informed decisions about life and the choices it presents.

Youth, Passion, and Identity in Rent: A Unique Perspective of the Competitive Locale

Rent, both as a musical and a movie, successfully portrays a diverse group of young individuals searching for their identities. Unlike other portrayals of friendships in luxurious settings, Rent focuses on the challenges of living in a highly competitive city. The characters rely on their support system to overcome rejection, failed relationships, and unfulfilled careers. Ironically, while New York is often seen as a place where dreams can come true, Rent's setting forces young people to adjust their goals to fit the culture's limitations. Mark, for example, had to settle for being a director of human interest stories instead of his

original dream of becoming a filmmaker. Despite not having complete creative freedom, it was still a better outcome than many others faced.

The text highlights various characters in the play Rent who represent different outcomes of their dreams. Mimi, a bright young girl, ended up as an exotic dancer due to her shattered acting dreams. Collins, a philosophy professor, had his life changed by AIDS. On the other hand, Benny achieved success through his relationship with a wealthy woman. What makes Rent great is its ability to resonate with an entire generation, including suburban middle-class youth. In today's era of choices and technological advancements, Rent captures the emotional rush and irrationality of youth. The play also emphasizes the importance of acceptance and identity for young people, which can make them vulnerable to malicious groups. Ultimately, passion and dreams are intrinsic qualities associated with youth.Maureen, the performance artist, exemplifies passion and dreams in this context. Her passion fuels her exercise of free speech, but her impulsive nature leads to changing preferences, such as from heterosexual to homosexual. Maureen's dramatic tendencies as an artist likely influence her important decisions. These decisions impact individuals like Joanne, who remains committed to her relationship with Maureen despite the challenges. Benny, driven by his passion, is willing to sacrifice everything associated with him in pursuit of his dreams, referred to as "selling out" in the film. Benny's lack of remorse or change reflects his higher level of passion over integrity.

In Rent, the young characters learn that passion alone does not determine their future. They come to understand that circumstances such as HIV, AIDS, and death can impact the paths they had envisioned

for themselves. Similarly, in the Olympics, success is not solely driven by passion; determination and a thorough understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses are also vital. Additionally, leveraging one's youth as a competitive advantage and identifying what makes each individual unique when surrounded by other young competitors are crucial factors.

On the other hand, Martin Scorsese's 1977 film New York, New York explores successes and failures in the city that never sleeps. However, since it is set in the aftermath of World War II, its connection to reality and relevance to current times may not be as profound compared to Rent. While New York, New York revolves around music like any typical love story, it uses it primarily as a backdrop to showcase the singer's exceptional talents instead of creatively integrating music into the story like Larson does in Rent.

New York, New York received much acclaim from audiences and remains a timeless classic. Nevertheless, in terms of effectively exposing the various joys and challenges of living in the city, Rent might have been better suited for this movie title.The text highlights that Rent delves into topics like homosexuality and passion. It suggests that a deeper analysis of the play would uncover more meaningful connections that can resonate with a broader audience, just as these themes resonated with gay individuals and young idealistic people. This showcases Jonathan Larson's profound understanding of the realities of New York City, adding depth and richness to his work.

Given the universal appeal and relatability of Rent, it is likely that we will see future restagings of the play and retellings of the film. The characters and stories depicted in this extraordinary work

resonate with people everywhere, regardless of their location in New York or elsewhere.