RSVP

“RSVP” is a lyrical piece which explores the emotions felt by a group of people, some who knew, and some who did not know, a man who has just died. Its approach, however, is unusual: there is almost no dialogue, but rather a central piece of music – “Le Spectre de la Rose” from Berlioz’ Les Nuits d’Eté, performed by Jessye Norman. This piece was requested by the man several weeks before his death; it plays on the radio, ironically, as his lover, Sid, returns home from the funeral. The music forms a link between various people listening to it – some aware of its significance, others not. Through these images and reactions, we learn something of this man’s life, and that he has died of AIDS, although the disease is never mentioned by name. Through the course of the film, the central character, Sid, takes a small step forward in his grieving process. “Rooted in the devastation AIDS has wrought in gay communities, this is a graceful elegy to those the disease has taken….” – Cameron Bailey, Toronto Festival of Festivals, 1991