Disability on TV and in FIlm
It is rare to see actors with disabilities in 'movies'. Richard Curtis has made a few exceptions - in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', Hugh Grant's character has a brother who is deaf. In 'Notting Hill', his ex-girlfriend is a paraplegic. It is important that characters with disabilities are included in smaller roles rather than just in films 'about disability', as this helps reduce prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities. For example, the BBC received complaints from several parents about children's TV presenter Cerrie Burnell, who has only one hand, saying she would scare children. Seeing people with disabilities on television helps young people grow up accepting disability as part of everyday life.
There are some superb 'Creature Discomfort' 30 second ads made by Leonard Cheshire and Aardman Animations, using wam-hearted, sincere and optimisitc humour to highlight serious issues raised by disability.
Films that focus specifically on disability:
| Film | Rating/5 | Buy from Amazon |
Inside I'm Dancing (15)- "As a worker in care I wanted to see if this film really brought out any of the frustrations people with disabilities face on a daily basis. I wasn't disappointed! All through the film I couldn't tell if it was actors or real disabled people as it was so good." The only criticism I have heard of this uplifting, heart-warming movie is that the main actors were not played by people with disabilities, but this Amazon review seems to reflect the general opinion that it's the quality of the script, acting and direction that are important. A great question to debate with a class - what happens if an able-bodied actor auditions for the part of a wheelchair-bound character, and what happens if an actor in a wheelchair auditions for an able-bodied character? |
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My Left Foot - An oscar-winning look at the life of Christy Brown, born with cerebal palsy. . He achieved international renown for his writing and painting, all done by his left foot, the only part of his anatomy that he could control. It was based on his autobiography. It's a moving and inspirational story, exceptionally well acted. Highly acclaimed by critics, it was also a box-office success. Whilst this film paints a no-holds-barred picture of living with a disability, some feel the film's happy ending does not reflect the reality in Christy Brown's case. |
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Rain Man - Another Oscar success, Rain Man tells the story of an Autistic man who inherits millions when his father dies, and goes on a voyage of discovery with his younger brother. Dustin Hoffman steals every scene as the titular character, and was the driving force behind getting the film made. This is a warm and uplifting film, and highlights accurately some of the barriers that people with Autism face, particularly with communication. It does have a Hollywood sheen, and, although it is engaging, it may not give the realism needed for an enlightening Religious Studies lesson. |
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