Autism in the Movies
Rain Man, Mozart and the Whale, Snow Cake and Autism the Musical
Autism is garnering more attention in big-name Hollywood hits as well as documentaries; from the 1988 classic Rain Man to 2007's Autism the Musical.
As autism is becoming more known among the general population, more film makers are starting to incorporate autistic characters into their scripts. Sometimes these characterizations are positive and uplifting and other times they can create quite a negative stigma for those with an autism spectrum disorder.
Rain Man
Whenever a person in the general public thinks of autism, he usually thinks of Raymond from the 1988 Golden Globe Winner for Best Film, Rain Man. Actor Dustin Hoffman received both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for his portrayal of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, who is being cared for by his younger brother played by actor Tom Cruise.
Rain Man is responsible for the general assumption that individuals with an autism spectrum disorder are either great at math or have a thing for numbers. The character, Raymond Babbitt, was actually an autistic savant. According to the Autism Research Institute, an "autistic savant refers to individuals with autism who have extraordinary skills not exhibited by most persons.”
Mozart and the Whale
Starring Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell, Mozart and the Whale is a story of two individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome who develop a romantic relationship after meeting at an autism support group. Mozart and the Whale, released in 2005, has drawn praise by many in the autism community for showing that individuals on the autism spectrum can and do have happy, loving relationships.
Snow Cake
Released in 2006, Snow Cake stars Golden Globe winner Sigourney Weaver playing the role of Linda Freeman. Freeman is a high-functioning autistic who gets entwined with an ex-convict and her small town’s harlot. Snow Cake has also received rave reviews by members of the autism community for showing that individuals with autism are more dynamic than the media stereotype placed upon them.
Autism the Musical
Unlike the other three films mentioned here, Autism the Musical is a documentary that follows the lives of five children with autism that write and produce their own musical. According to Blockbuster Online, “at a time when one in 150 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism, filmmaker Tricia Regan takes an optimistic approach to this troubling trend.”
Autism the Musical will be playing throughout the month of April 2008 on HBO in celebration of Autism Awareness Month. In addition, the documentary is available on HBO On Demand. Check your local listings for channel and show times.
These four movies highlight characters, or individuals, with an autism spectrum disorder. When you plan your next movie night, consider renting one of these fantastic films.
Sources:
Autism Research Institute
Blockbuster Online
