Early role for Campbell Scott

This film was one of C. Scott's firsts. He was absolutely excellent in (to me) the pivotal role of Willie, who over the course of the film grows from a handsome, naive, boy into a compassionate, intelligent, man. It is Willie, who is the first to experience a loss from aids with the death of his best-friend, played by Dermot Molroney. Later he must confront his own prejudices when going to see the recently diagnosed John, in hospital. Ultimately a mature Willie becomes a volunteer aiding house-bound Aids patients. Willie tells the young depressed man to take control by getting out of bed and become an active participant in life again. This for me was the lesson Willie has learned throughout the course of the film and through the suffering of his loved-ones, that he must actively do whatever he can do and not remain passive. Willie's touching and eloquent speech at David's Memorial was played perfectly by C. Scott, clearly showing a young man overcoming his natural shyness to stand up in public and memorialize his dear friend.