Viewed in
2012
Formats
HDTV w/ commercials
Premise
A documentary about Magic Johnson's experience before, during, and after being diagnosed with HIV in 1991.
Loved
Story-telling, compelling topics, emotional moments.
Liked
Wealth of interviews.
Thoughts
As a big Lakers fan, this was really emotional for me. But I have a feeling I would've been impacted no matter if I was a sports fan or not.
I was really young back then, and rumors and misinformation were spread pre-internet. Thanks to the honest interviews from teammates, coaches, family, I have been better educated about Magic's past. Even though I lived in the epicenter, there was still much that I learned, such as Len Rosen the friend (instead of just an agent), Karl Malone's truthfulness about his then-thought process, and Cookie's admirable resolve.
While such an era now feels as archaic as Salem Witch Trials, the film makers did a great job of illustrating how ignorant our society was about HIV, AIDS, and gays. Magic's decision to make his battle public was truly a game-changer.
While homosexuality was not a direct theme in Magic's saga, it was still a factor in the HIV world, and I agreed with Bill Simmons in pointing out that the documentary glossed over how even Magic succumbed to the unintentional gay-bashing back then. Specifically, the moment when Arsenio Hall asked him if he was gay, he replied no, and the audience applauded as if he was disease-free.
The Announcement was an incredible journey, emotionally, personally, and historically.
