• How to Survive a Plague (2012) Soundtrack OST •

How to Survive a Plague Soundtrack (2012) cover

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Rating: 7.60/10 from 4300 votes

Tags: aids documentary, aids activist

Alternate Names:

Title in Español:

Cómo sobrevivir a una epidemia

Title in Italiano:

Synopsis

How to Survive a Plague is a documentary that largely focuses on the work of a group of Greenwich Village based AIDS activists, most associated with ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), from 1987 to 1996, which was arguably the height of the AIDS epidemic in terms of fatalities.

New York City was considered the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic during this time. The activists highlighted in the film were mostly individuals living with AIDS, fighting for survival in an era where an AIDS diagnosis was often seen as a death sentence.

They faced significant challenges in a landscape of inaction, fear, excessive protocol, and apathy towards AIDS, which primarily affected a marginalized population, gay men. The documentary places blame on front line workers, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, non-government organizations, and politicians, including three Presidents and North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms.

The Roman Catholic Church also posed obstacles to finding a solution to the health crisis, as they believed the use of condoms was immoral despite evidence showing it reduced the risk of virus transmission.

The focus of the documentary is on the activists' fight for access to potentially life-saving drugs that were not legally available in the US. Due to inaction, the activists had to become experts in the field, surpassing many professionals dealing with the issue.

ACT UP faced internal issues, leading to fractures within the organization in the early 1990s. The documentary also includes an epilogue where surviving activists and those who passed away during the epidemic reflect on the changes that occurred in 1996 and how their lives were impacted thereafter.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play	Title	Artist
	How to Survive a Plague
	That's Us/Wild Combination	Arthur Russell: Writer
	Come To Life	Arthur Russell: Performer Arthur Russell: Writer
	Answer Me	The Dap-Kings: Performer
	I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You	Louis Prima: Performer Spo-De-Odee: Writer
	Soon To Be Innocent Fun/Let's See	Arthur Russell: Performer Arthur Russell: Writer
	Happiness	Jon Thor Birgisson: Performer
	Keeping Up	Arthur Russell: Writer

User reviews

Karen Scott

3/10

The soundtrack of How to Survive a Plague failed to capture the emotional intensity of the activists' struggle during the AIDS epidemic.

Emily Johnson

9/10

The diversity of musical genres and styles in the soundtrack adds depth and richness to the storytelling, reflecting the complexity of the issues explored in the documentary. From haunting melodies to uplifting anthems, the music in How to Survive a Plague leaves a lasting impact and resonates with the audience long after the film ends.

Michelle Campbell

6/10

The soundtrack's somber tones and haunting melodies created a powerful atmosphere that evoked a profound sense of loss for those who succumbed to the epidemic, reminding me of the devastating impact that AIDS had on countless lives.

Linda Hill

8/10

The use of music in How to Survive a Plague adds a layer of depth to the narrative, immersing the audience in the activists' journey and the challenges they faced.

Stephanie Perez

8/10

The soundtrack's composition and arrangement skillfully evoke the sense of solidarity and determination that characterized the AIDS activists' fight for justice and equality.

Kimberly Lewis

8/10

The soundtrack of How to Survive a Plague perfectly captures the emotional intensity and urgency of the activists' fight against the AIDS epidemic.

Kenneth Gonzalez

2/10

The music chosen for the documentary often felt disconnected from the gravity of the subject matter, undermining the impact of the activists' fight for survival.

Mary Baker

5/10

The documentary's soundtrack skillfully captured the complexities of the activists' struggles, providing a poignant backdrop to their battles against government inaction, pharmaceutical greed, and societal indifference towards the AIDS crisis.

Brian Perez

5/10

The music in the documentary effectively conveyed the feelings of frustration and anger towards the systemic failures that exacerbated the AIDS epidemic, making me reflect on the injustices faced by the marginalized communities affected by the crisis.

Donald Green

7/10

The music in the documentary enhances the overall viewing experience, creating a powerful connection between the audience and the courageous individuals whose stories are told in How to Survive a Plague.

Anthony Green

7/10

The music enhances the documentary's storytelling, effectively conveying the struggles and triumphs of those fighting for access to life-saving drugs.

Kenneth Moore

6/10

Overall, the music in How to Survive a Plague added a layer of emotional depth to the storytelling, enhancing my understanding of the activists' courageous fight for justice and their enduring legacy in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Steven Brown

5/10

The use of music in the film helped to underscore the resilience and determination of the activists, highlighting their unwavering commitment to fighting for access to life-saving treatments despite facing insurmountable obstacles.

Donald Young

2/10

Some of the songs used in the film seemed out of place and at times even detracted from the powerful narratives shared by the individuals featured in the documentary.

Mark Young

10/10

The use of music in the film evokes a sense of urgency and determination, mirroring the relentless efforts of the activists to push for access to life-saving medication. The soundtrack effectively conveys the emotional rollercoaster experienced by individuals living with AIDS and the community rallying around them.

Jennifer Baker

10/10

The soundtrack of How to Survive a Plague brilliantly captures the emotional intensity and resilience of the AIDS activists during the height of the epidemic. The music enhances the documentary's powerful storytelling, immersing the audience in the struggles and triumphs of those fighting for their lives.

Susan Garcia

6/10

The soundtrack of How to Survive a Plague resonated deeply with me as it perfectly captured the emotional intensity and the sense of urgency felt by the AIDS activists during that tumultuous period in history.