Autism Goes To Hollywood
April 28, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
“Everyone wants to make the next Rain Man I wrote in a post a few days ago—and just published in the New York Times is an article by Caryn James about the recent spate of TV shows, docementaries, and movies about autism:
Autismhas become to disorders what Africa is to social issues, the celebrity cause du jour. “Oprah,” “Larry King,” “The View” and MTV all devoted full hours to the subject in recent weeks.”
The films discussed are a BBC America movie, After Thomas; some episodes for last season’s House; Snow Cake; Mozart and the Whale.
Awareness of autism has seeped into the culture enough to make it a handy metaphor. But while the autistic savant of “Rain Man” seemed alien from most viewers, more recent characters are often just a shade beyond quirky, with emotional problems that are like anyone else’s, only more extreme. Focused intently on the way “they” are like “us,” these films may not do much to increase understanding of autism at all.
Professor Stuart Murray of the University of Leeds has written an essay, Hollywood and the Fascination of Autism, that looks at a number of films on autism and considers why, in more than a few ways, representing autism on the silver screen is not so easy.
Perhaps it is a good time to ask again: What is autism and what is the movies?
Its about time they started showing the public our baby shots have poisioned our kids. Thimersol is a killer and who it dosent kill leaves kids hyper or autistic
Are you suggesting a movie about this?
Just wanted to say thanks for posting this information. We were about to post a fairly little look at Hollywood and Autism, and I felt uncomfortable given the seriousness of the reality of the subject and the often very glamorised portrayal by Hollywood. Wanted to learn a little more.
I think that the point “these films may not do much to increase understanding of autism at all” is valid, but perhaps by raising the point at all, the Hollywood treatment may prompt viewers to wish to learn more. Like myself!
Anyway, thanks for the very interesting links and the post.