May We Recommend

May we recommend:

Girl, Interrupted

Director:  James Mangold

Date of Release:  1999

Reviewed by Krista Whitehawk

‘Crazy is just you or me amplified.’ 

 Based on author Susanna Kaysen’s memoirs of her stay in a psychiatric hospital, the movie duly depicts the general characteristics of a person with a borderline personality disorder.  Specifically, the main character’s rapid shifts in mood, delusional thoughts, impulsive sexual relationships and attempted suicide most accurately portray the disorder.  The movie does not stray from the actual symptoms typically seen in someone with borderline personality disorder.  Nor does the director give the main character her own idiosyncrasies.  The portrayal of Susanna Kaysen was very true to the disorder including causing harm to herself.  Additionally, the main character has great compassion for others while at the same time being unsure of her own identity.  At times, the Susanna character even expresses a desire to be more like her fellow patient, Lisa. 

I recommend this film to every one.  It is very entertaining with wonderful actors and great music.  More importantly, it literally depicts the characteristics of a person with borderline personality disorder.  Other mental health problems are also highlighted along with their symptoms and various treatment possibilities. 

Scent Of A Woman   Director:  Martin Brest           Date of Publication:  1992

Reviewed by Amanda Liggett    

The movie ‘Scent Of A Woman’ provides a portrayal of visual impairment.  Al Pacino stars as ‘Frank Slade’, a retired army officer.  He is totally blind and uses a walking stick.  As well, Frank is extremely verbal and always speaks his mind.  He demonstrates the same anger and frustration that a person with a visual impairment might experience.  Although blind, Frank is an amazing dancer and loves to tango.  Al Pacino won an Academy Award for his brilliant portrayal in this movie.  I recommend this movie for all those interested in observing what it is like for someone who is totally blind including the day to day obstacles that must be overcome.

I am Sam                                

Director: Jessie Nelson           

Year: 2001

Reviewed by Karen Henry

I am Sam is a fictional movie, directed by Jessie Nelson starring Sean Penn, Dakota Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer.  This movie is a touching display of how society looks at people with disabilities.  Sam (the father) has the mental capacity of a 7 year old.  On the day his daughter is born, he is left outside the hospital with no knowledge of what to do next.  Luckily, a neighbor assists him in understanding the needs and schedule of the baby. 

            The character, as played by Sean Penn, is very realistic to that of one with an intellectual disability.  Children called him “retarded” and adults judged him without getting to know him. When the characters responded correctly and assisted Sam, he was able to flourish in his own abilities.  His daughter (Dakota Fanning) Lucy is a bright and well-rounded child in part due to the understanding of her own father.  Though this may not always be the case in life, with the right assistance anything is possible for those with intellectual disabilities.  In the end Sam displays a clear understanding of his need for assistance with his daughter.  I am Sam is a must see movie that will open the eyes of many.  Everyone will come away with a better understanding of people with disabilities.

 

Also Reviewed by Laurie Luccisano   

            In this movie, the director showed a portrayal of an adult with a developmental disability most accurately by: placing him in a job that was simple, giving him child like qualities (such as his voice and simple oral language) and demonstrating the difficulty the character had moving forward in his reading abilities.   I am not sure if the portrayal of Sam continued to be accurate when the director showed in one scene how he couldn’t handle the change of routine needed to try a different restaurant and then moved on to illustrating how he was able to change his job from the coffee shop to the pizza hut with no no big deal.  Sam fought throughout the movie to keep custody of his daughter.  He also always told the truth and things were pretty black and white to him.  For example, he told his lawyer to leave her husband because he was cheating on her and to play with her son. Not all adults with developmental disabilities are made the same and this particular portrayal of Sam is not a “black and white” description of all adults with this challenge. 

            I would highly recommend this movie to others as it does give an insight into how an adult with a developmental delay might view the world.  I laughed and cried as it is very touching how Sam impacted his daughter’s world and that of others around him.  He changed them all for good due to his child-like innocence.  

 Movie Review:  The King's Speech 

The movie, King’s Speech is a heartfelt, true story. It depicts one man’s arduous journey to overcome stammering when faced with the knowledge that he would be crowned the next King of England. Collin Firth, who portrays Bertie, The Duke of York, is very accurate in his portrayal of an individual with a stammer. Mr. Firth draws the viewer into the feelings of frustration and anger experienced by an individual who has been teased and ridiculed most of his life. With support from his family and a very amazing linguist, Bertie was able to control his stammer and give the most important speech of his life. This movie is a must watch.  It is full of determination, perseverance and emotion.
Submitted by Our Skittle Jar Film Critics:  Alison and Shannon

Book:  ‘Flowers for Algernon’     
Author:   Daniel Keyes

Publication date:  1959
Reviewer:  Jayne Godfrey

            ‘Flowers for Algernon’ is both a science fiction novel and a moral tale about Charlie, who suffers from PKU- induced mild intellectual disability. The writing, in the form of Charlie’s personal diary, is largely accurate about the 3 classic characteristics which define the disability. On many occasions in the novel, there are exaggerations about developmental delays which lend themselves to making the book a more captivating read. The best example would be the delayed sexual maturity that Charlie exhibits before his operation, and the changes he goes through as his understanding and experience of women fast forwards following his operation.  Charlie’s telling of his story is truly original in its format as a diary, allowing glimpses of his past, feelings about his future, and the attitude of society in the mid twentieth century towards people with an intellectual disability. It is a breathtakingly awful but honest and funny account of how Charlie thinks and is treated, and provides a thought provoking read for anyone who wants to understand differences in people.

Book: From Anna

Author: Jean Little

Published: 1972

Reviewer:  Jantine Dykstra                    

From Anna is a wonderful narrative to learn about the experiences and challenges faced by children with a visual impairment. Considering that the author, Jean Little, was born with impaired vision herself, it is not surprising that the book gives a very factual portrayal of it’s main character, a young girl of about seven or eight years old, with low vision. Not only does the story realistically describe the outward behaviours associated with Anna’s undiagnosed disability, it also depicts her inner thoughts, feelings and perceptions as she struggles to understand a world that does not seem to make sense. Additionally, it also demonstrates that one should never make assumptions about children’s actions, attitudes or demeanour, but instead look deeper below the surface to discover the roots of any problems. To gain a greater understanding of children with visual impairments in a delightful and enjoyable way, one should certainly start by reading From Anna.

Film:  How Difficult Can This Be?  F.A.T. City Workshop   
Rick Lavoie 1989
70 Minutes
Available for purchase from www.ricklavoie.com  

"This unique program allows viewers to experience the same frustration, anxiety and tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives. Teachers, social workers, psychologists, parents and friends who have participated in Richard Lavoie's workshop reflect upon their experience and the way it changed their approach to L.D. children."