Days (2001) – a gay film by Laura Muscardin

Giorni is the scale that an AIDS association uses to measure time. The future is uncertain and is subject to minimal events like catching a cold or asymptomatic periods. When people with AIDS fall in love the rules no longer apply. This is the story of Claudio and Andrea and their love that infringes all precautions.

Days (2001)
Giorni (original title)

83 min|Drama|17 Apr 2001

6.1Rating: 6.1/10 from 547 usersMetascore: 6.1

Claudio, 35 years old, manager, has been HIV+ for ten years. His life is marked by the medicine he has to take, his monthly medical examination, his humdrum job, and his long-term relationship with Dario. But when he meets Andrea, a sweet and handsome waiter, his certainties shatter.

Director: Laura Muscardin
Writer: Laura Muscardin, David Osorio, Monica Rametta
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Duration: 83 min
Stars: Thomas Trabacchi, Riccardo Salerno, Davide Bechini, Riccardo De Filippis, Monica Rametta

 
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Synopsis: Claudio lives a very regimented life, from his job, to his boyfriend to the HIV medication he must take. He longs to break free and when Andrea enters his life, he offers a life without complications, but with many risks.

Quick review: I have to think that when this movie came out in Italy it caused some controversy. After I watched it I was unsure what to do with it. It was compelling and a story unlike any other I’ve seen. But one with a dangerous message. Andrea is willing to risk everything, including his life, to be with the man he loves. That is Claudio, who has HIV and is tired of always having to be careful. So, Andrea convinces him to throw caution to the wind and engage in unsafe sex. The experience is liberating for Claudio. He enjoys the sense of freedom and is conflicted with the guilt he feels for putting Andrea at risk, his relationship with his boyfriend Dario, and his decision to move to Milan. His doubts are in major contrast to Andrea, who knows exactly what he wants. He wants to be with Claudio, but he knows he could never live such a regimented lifestyle and promises he’ll never take HIV medication. Those choices can only lead to one conclusion. It’s controversial, but if you can accept the premise — a mighty big if — it’s a hell of a love story.

DAYS

35-year-old Claudio works as a bank manager, has been HIV-positive for ten years and has an HIV-negative lover named Dario. One night, Claudio meets a sexy young waiter named Andrea, and the two hook up. Claudio cautions Andrea that they need a condom, but Andrea lives for the moment, and the moment is all about love. So they proceed unprotected. In the weeks and months that follow, Claudio sheds his rigidness, letting Andrea’s devil-may-care love of life infect him. Are these guys grossly irresponsible, completely nuts or just hopelessly in love? You be the judge.