Fast Trip, Long Drop

I found this film interesting mainly because it gave me the chance to hear a voice that is virtually invisible in mainstream media: that of someone who is living with AIDS, dealing every day with the reality of illness and death. I liked the incorporation of found footage, especially of the man balancing on the tightrope, and the cannon as a visual metaphor for his first sexual experience. The film is angry, passionate, and not afraid of being confrontational, as seen when Bordowitz addresses his audience and asks questions that begin with “why didn’t you?” I respect his determination to agitate as well as educate his viewers. It was very sad to think that some of the people with AIDS in the video are probably not alive today, and it made me think of “Fast Trip, Long Drop” as sort of a long goodbye note, maybe Bordowitz’ attempt to be leave something important behind and be remembered. In this way, I think, it encourages others to fight to get their message out there and make the most out of the time they have.