“The shame does not lie with gay people”: Andrew Scott says the AIDS crisis still needs to be told

Andrew Scott’s Elsinore has already created an immense uproar at the London Film Festival. The movie explores the story of Ian Charleson. From his professional life to the tragic end of his life after struggling with AIDS, it is depicted in the storyline of Elsinore.

Scott takes on the role of Ian Charleson, and the movie also has an array of talented cast members. It cannot be denied that in recent years, several LGBTQ projects have come to light, gaining the appreciation of the viewers. Though Andrew Scott welcomes such projects, he also points out that there is a lack of stories that focus on the AIDS crisis, noting,

“The shame does not lie with gay people”

Elsinore star Andrew Scott notes that more projects should be made on the AIDS crisis

In a recent interview, Andrew Scott noted that he welcomes projects such as Heartstopper, Heated Rivalry, and Red, White & Royal Blue. However, he is concerned about the lack of projects that dive into the AIDS crisis. This aspect “troubles” him, as he thinks that people might not want to “go back to a time when you’re talking about the AIDS crisis,” along with the time when “it was incredibly difficult for gay people”.

He also notes that this might come from a “place of shame,” which he does not want to see anymore. In the interview, Scott adds that “the shame does not lie with gay people”. Rather, according to Scott, the shame “lies with the governments,” as the governments “ignored the AIDS crisis” and also ignored the “stigma” that was around people and the “innate prejudice” that was prevalent in society.

The same is “someone else’s,” Scott adds. During the premiere of Elsinore, Scott brought some of the real-life individuals who were present in the movie. He brought Linda Tolhurst, Sean Mathias, etc., and further shed light on the AIDS crisis. He appreciated Dr. Margaret Johnson after bringing her on the stage, noting her contribution to the “development of treatment" which was able to help the "people suffering with HIV and AIDS”.

Scott added that Dr. Margaret Johnson “is a true life hero”. In Elsinore, the character of Dr. Margaret Johnson is brought to life by the very talented Olivia Colman. He further pointed out that the viewers should remember “not just Ian’s death” but also “how extraordinarily" Ian Charleson "lived" especially with "such flair and zest and warmth and charm and passion and talent”.

Besides this movie, Andrew Scott has also taken on several complex roles, depicting his nuanced acting prowess and ability to completely embody the roles that he takes on.

Some of Scott’s other notable projects that can also be added to your watchlist are All of Us Strangers, His Dark Materials, School of Roars, Fleabag, Sherlock, etc. Some of the other cast members of Elsinore, besides Scott and Olivia Colman, are Billie Piper, Monica Dolan, David Rintoul, Paul Chahidi, etc.

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