Denzel Washington plays the everyman, the onscreen representaion of those who harbour homophobic tendencies. He is forced to examine his prejudice and reassess his feelings about the gay community as he comes to know them as people rather than symbols.
Joe miller played by Denzel Washington was never interested or willing to represent Andrew, until Joe had a change of heart recognising a hint of familiar discrimination to the segregation of African Americans in the way Andrew, an undeserving individual of prejudice, is being treated as he had earlier seen in the library. the librarian states to Andy “we do have private research rooms” ”wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a Research room” Andy’s reply expresses his hurt “No, would it make you more comfortable” . The librarian’s intentions were completely self-interested as he was not concerned for the health and well being of Andy but for his own comfort
Joe had witnessed the act of intolerance relating it to the discrimination of black people in society. Through this Joe’s most intense realisation begins and opportunity to grow and change is established the central characters role is to challenge the institution were they discuss what the case is really about “the general publics hatred their loathing their fear of homosexual. And how that climate of hatred and fear translated into the firing of this particular homosexual, Andrew Beckett.
The judge makes the courtroom aware that justice is blind to matters of race creed, colour, religion and sexual orientation. And Joe quotes with all due respect your honour we don’t live in this courtroom.
Symbolism is crucial to the story; the most significant is the role of physical space between Andy and Joe. Before the AIDS revelation they were shoulder to shoulder. Two lawyers on opposite sides. Then Andy drops his bombshell and Joe moves to the other side of the room. Camera angles move to a distant downward shot upon them emphasising the space between them. As the film progresses the space of fear, discomfort and judgment begins to reduce, as they gradually grow closer. Sitting across a table at the library then side by side in court. Finally, as miller passes the moment of conscience, he drops all barriers by lifting an oxygen mask to Andrews face, momentarily touching flesh to flesh.
The film Philadelphia is a remarkable expression of honesty and openness. The story is timely and powerful and the performances by hanks and Washington assure that the characters will not immediately vanish into obscurity. As long as people remember, there’s a chance they can change.