Philadelphia

Running head: AIDS PROGRESSION

Philadelphia: AIDS Progression

Client Story

In the movie Philadelphia, Andrew Beckett was an intelligent and charismatic man in his late 30’s / early 40’s. Mr. Beckett lived in a large and well-maintained apartment with his life partner, Miguel Alvarez. He had supportive parents, a sister, and two brothers. Mr. Beckett had a large community of friends, as evidenced by the well-attended party he hosted during the movie.

Before his termination, Mr. Beckett was employed as a senior associate at the largest corporate law firm in Philadelphia, Wyant & Wheeler. He was successful and well respected by the senior partners at his law firm, evidenced in the movie by the assignment of the firm’s most prestigious case to Mr. Beckett. Mr. Beckett was terminated from his employment on the basis of a history of unprofessional behavior and incompetence. However, Mr. Beckett disputed that reasoning, claiming instead that his illness was the source of his termination, which led to a wrongful termination lawsuit, which his side ultimately won.

Mr. Beckett obtained the services of Joe Miller to represent him in the lawsuit against Wyant & Wheeler. Mr. Miller initially refused, demonstrating fear of physical contact with an AIDS patient. Mr. Miller also expressed judgment of Mr. Beckett as a homosexual, as evidenced by a conversation with his wife. Ultimately, Mr. Miller becomes a strong advocate for Mr. Beckett’s case, and establishes a personal and intimate connection with him as a fellow human being, shown most clearly when Mr. Miller practices active listening and a therapeutic presence as Mr. Beckett passionately immerses himself in his favorite opera.

Mr. Beckett is suffering from AIDS, and associated Karposi Sarcoma lesions. The lesions are the manner in which Mr. Beckett believes the law firm discovered his illness. Through the course of the movie, Mr. Beckett’s physical condition deteriorates. He loses weight, the...