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Contents
- 1 Traditionally, films touching upon this difficult subject have catered to the needs of a specific audience, attempting to bridge the gap between two distinctly different worlds. But what if we started to consider neurodiversity as a unique strength that can transform the way we enjoy films?
- 2 The Development of the Concept
- 3 Le Moindre Geste (1971)
- 4 Keep the Change (2018)
- 5 Because We Have Each Other (2022)
- 6 When Time Got Louder (2022)
Traditionally, films touching upon this difficult subject have catered to the needs of a specific audience, attempting to bridge the gap between two distinctly different worlds. But what if we started to consider neurodiversity as a unique strength that can transform the way we enjoy films?
You’ve seen it in countless movies: the genius with autism, excelling in complex mathematical equations. While this portrayal may seem positive on the surface, it actually places burdensome expectations on individuals with autism. This exploitative mindset fails to recognize their true value as unique individuals. Below, we will analyze some works that don’t make the same mistake.
The Development of the Concept
If you’re neurodivergent, you may experience such cognitive variations as:
- Autism
- ADHD
- OCD
- Down’s syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
An estimated 10%-20% of the population identify themselves as neurodivergent. There are countless others who may still be unaware of their incredible neurodiversity. A person affected by dyslexia, for example, may develop excellent visual thinking and 3D mechanical skills. This idea is also the basis of neurodiversity, which should drive people to consider it as part of their world and offer support.
Such individuals thrive in well-organized, structured environments and can possess a keen attention to detail and focus. Did you know that neurodivergent individuals are twice as common in certain fields? They can be good at performing creative tasks, can be useful in data science and account management, as well as make great senior leaders. Below, we have reviewed the best international movies on this topic.
Le Moindre Geste (1971)
“Le Moindre Geste” is a French drama film directed by Fernand Deligny and Jean-Pierre Gos. Released in 1971, the film tells the story of a group of young adults who live in a remote farmhouse in the French countryside. The film explores their daily lives, interactions, and the challenges they face, providing a compassionate and sensitive portrayal of their world.
Instead of using traditional approaches, Fernand Deligny focused on understanding the world through the eyes of each child. For him, filming was the best way to document their daily activities. This captivating and thought-provoking work captures the essence of his groundbreaking practice.
When shooting the film, Deligny was in constant communication with renowned French director Francois Truffaut, who was exploring a parallel theme in his mainstream film, “L’Enfant Sauvage,” centered around the wild child of Avignon in 1969.
Deligny invites us to explore a world where everything, even the non-human, holds equal allure. The camera captures the luminosity of the boys’ encounters, while their interactions with objects reveal their true essence. To access similar films from any location, you can stream Prime on your device. Amazon Prime is a wonderful source for those who are looking for related content.
Keep the Change (2018)
Rachel Israel’s work explores the emotions of romantic comedy through the perspective of characters on the autism spectrum. By collaborating with different individuals and telling their stories using the script, Israel brings a fresh perspective to this genre.
Sarah stands out for the expressive and fast-paced language she uses. It adds depth and humor to the film. David’s involuntary tic challenges traditional comedic stereotypes. Unfair stereotypes in movies deeply harm oppressed and marginalized communities. Continuous negative portrayals of underrepresented groups can amplify bias in audiences who have little real-life interaction with them.
According to disability scholar Tobin Siebers, disability is not a flaw but a powerful resource for exploring our understanding of humanity and its connection to the world. The author argues that disability expands our view of human variation and challenges long-held assumptions about aesthetics. When watching such films, you can better understand how cinema can shape our perceptions.
Because We Have Each Other (2022)
This story is centered around Janet Barnes, the only neurotypical person in a family of seven. She resides in the working-class town of Logan, just outside Brisbane. Her life took a turn when she left her teaching career to care for her family. With mounting bills, things could easily spiral into hardship. But don’t be mistaken, this is not a story about her suffering.
The captivating love that binds her family caught the attention of acclaimed Australian filmmaker Sari Braithwaite. She was previously famous for her work on Paper Trails. In 2018, Braithwaite embarked on an extraordinary mission – to capture five years’ of everyday moments of Barnes’ life, both mundane and marvelous. As a result, she created this awe-inspiring documentary. This topic didn’t have extensive representation in international cinema, which made it so unique.
This movie tells the extraordinary story of Rebecca, Janet’s daughter. Only 1%-2% of the population is diagnosed with autism, which is why this topic requires further exploration. Braithwaite masterfully tells us a captivating story. After meeting Rebecca’s family, she witnessed the deep bonds that connect them all. You will easily get inspired by their unwavering acceptance and celebration of their differences in a world that can be quick to judge.
Uniqueness runs in the family, but love is what truly holds them together. Janet’s daughters, both from her first marriage, are as different as can be. Jessica, the youngest, has a talent for stand-up comedy, a love for Old Hollywood, and battles with depression and suicidal thoughts due to PTSD. Prepare to be moved by this tale of belonging and resilience.
When Time Got Louder (2022)
Leave behind the familiar as she ventures into a world of independence, while her non-verbal brother, living with autism, remains at home. You will learn about the experiences of writer Connie Cocchia, who identifies as queer and has a brother on the autism spectrum.
Inspired by the real-life connection between Cocchia and her own brother, Abbie and Kayden’s relationship will touch your heart. Breaking boundaries, this film portrays autism in a refreshing way, showing Kayden as a capable and independent individual.
Inaccurate portrayals are concerning because the media often fail to understand psychiatric disorders and frequently link them to violence. Additionally, fictional portrayals of individuals with neurological conditions contribute to misunderstandings and mystery surrounding them. After watching the films reviewed above, you’ll feel a deep sense of connection if you’re familiar with the condition. We should eagerly anticipate a future where autistic individuals are cast regularly, effortlessly portraying characters who happen to be autistic.
Absolutely, the importance of more accurate and diverse representation in movies and TV cannot be overstated. When we search for films or series about autism, we often encounter the stereotype of autistic individuals as either geniuses or having all peculiarities in a single character, as seen in the famous (and in my opinion, excellent!) movie “Rain Man.” I’m glad to hear that you’re actively seeking more films to watch and share with your teacher friends.
Thank you for your appreciation, and you’re very welcome for the tip!
How important this closer representation is in cinemas and on TV. When we look for films or series about autism we come across the stereotype of autistic geniuses or all the experts in one person, as is the case with the famous (and in my opinion great!) film Rain Man. I have been looking for more films to watch and also to share with my teacher friends. Thanks for the tip!