Portrayal of IDD In Movies

By Nelson Tang

When it comes to depicting things in cinema compared to real life, it comes down to accuracy. One of the most common examples of where we see this being done is with historical films based on real people or events. Filmmakers are tasked with making sure that the portrayal is as accurate as possible to the real life counterparts. Even then, it is quite rare where we see a film that is true or 100% accurate to the original. In this article, it will discuss how autism and other developmental disabilities have been presented and portrayed in movies throughout the years. Moreover, it will go over criteria such as whether or not the representation was accurate, if it was considered offensive, or if it has shifted into a more positive light. There are many movies out there where there are characters who are shown to have autism or a different developmental disability, so this article will cover some of the most well known examples.

One of the first onscreen depictions of autism that audiences were shown was Rain Man in 1988 directed by Barry Levinson. It starred the major talents of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, who play brothers. Tom Cruise plays a character named Charlie Babbitt returning home to Cincinnati after finding out that his father has recently passed away. Charlie did not really have a good relationship with his father and he soon discovers that he has an older brother Raymond that he never knew about living in a mental institution. Furthermore, Charlie learns that his father left all of his inheritance to Raymond, which angers Charlie. Charlie hatches a plan to get the money by kidnapping Raymond from the institution on the condition that he would return Raymond only if he got half of the inheritance, which was 3 million dollars. However, things change on the road during the time Charlie and Raymond spend with each other. Audiences get to learn more about each individual and why Raymond was separated from Charlie and that Charlie was too young to remember a particular incident that occurred when they were both children. By the end of the movie, Charlie’s motivations and feelings have shifted as he has grown to care for his older brother rather than money [11].

Dustin Hoffman’s character Raymond is shown to have autism and specifically savant syndrome, which is rare, as about only 1 in 10 autistic people will have it. Individuals with savant syndrome are extremely gifted and excel in the arts or mathematics, but struggle when it comes to actions that typically require little skill. They are also shown to have symptoms such as heightened sensory sensitivity, obsessional behaviors, technical and/or spatial abilities or systemizing. In the movie, there are certain sounds that trigger Raymond’s heightened sensory sensitivity and anything that is not part of his daily routine, which he followed at the institution. Raymond’s talents are displayed a number of times such as when a toothpick box dropped and he was able to figure out how many were still in the box or when he went to the casino with Charlie causing Charlie to continuously win. The real life counterpart is named Kim Peek who was just as or even more gifted than the movie counterpart. Peek had astounding memory and calculation skills and could remember more than 12,000 books, and was up-to-date and almost a complete encyclopedia of world history. He could also read both the left and right pages of a book simultaneously and memorize them in 8 seconds, and recall the location of most roads and highways as well as area codes and zip codes [1]. Moreover, like the audience; Charlie’s perception on mental disability is changed through the movie as he begins to see how gifted his older brother is. “While Rain Man delivers a powerful message of understanding and personal transformation, it is also characterized by a significant number of errors in the characters’ perception of autism.”[4]. Like Charlie, we are able to emphasize with what we are seeing unfold with the story.

Rain Man went on to win not only 1, but 4 Oscars, becoming the U.S highest grossing film of the year. It was well received generating a greater awareness and understanding of autism amongst the general public. Psychiatrist Dr Darold Treffert even praised this by stating  “No gigantic public education or PR effort could have produced the sensational awareness that Rain Man brought to the national and international radar screen.” Treffert had worked as a script consultant for the film and was an expert on autism and savant syndrome. Despite all of this success, the autism community was split on their opinions towards the movie back then and even now. There are some who claim it is stereotypical and a poor representation and that some with savant syndrome feel unwelcomed by the autism community because of Rain Man. Another critique of the movie was how it failed to show that those with disability were capable of functioning outside of institutionalized care [4]. Chris Bonnello who has Asperger’s syndrome and an autism advocate concludes that “no portrayal of autism is ever going to satisfy everyone.” Furthermore, he talks about how this movie is a piece of history and should be viewed more as a stepping stone as it was one of the first portrayals of autism on screen with the good intention of shedding a light on people affected by disability [10]. It also led to more films and media that portrayed and eventually starred individuals with autism or developmental disability. Overall, the legacy can still be seen as a positive impact because of what it led into and was one of the first steps that led to today. 

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was directed by Lasse Hallström in 1993 and follows two brothers like in Rain Man, but the stories are not the same. The story follows Gilbert Grape, as played by Johnny Depp, who is from a small town and takes on the responsibility of taking care of his family. His father Albert had died 17 years prior as the result of suicide due to the lack of success in business. Gilbert has to take care of his mother who is obese and can not leave the house as well as watching over his younger brother Arnie. Arnie Grape is played by Leonardo DiCaprio and suffers from mental impairment. Although, it is not stated what is wrong with Arnie, it is clear that he has autism or a mental disability based on his demeanor and behaviors throughout the movie. Gilbert works at the local grocery store and has a relationship with a woman named Betty. Things change when he meets a girl named Becky who alters his world and views on life [14].

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape turned out to be a successful movie and was even nominated for an Oscar. However, there are mixed opinions when it comes to the film, specifically with Arnie Grape and how he is presented. Despite the portrayal being okay and fairly accurate, it shines a more negative light on mental disability. Arnie is portrayed to be violent and having a lack of empathy. An example would be when he cuts off a grasshopper’s head with a mailbox and finds it amusing. Arnie is also shown to inflict self harm upon himself or get upset with himself such as after he killed the grasshopper or when he started himself after the bathtub incident. Arnie is afraid of water and starts to hurt himself when waking his mother up. Another negative aspect is how Arnie is treated by family members such as with his sister, Ellen, or even Gilbert. Gilbert slaps Arnie in one scene. In another season, in a moment of anger, Ellen pulls Arnie off a ladder on the water tower and he ends up cutting his wrists. Arnie kept on trying to climb and Ellen’s patience ran out. She proceeds to pull Arnie by the hair and berate him for his action. Gilbert is the only one in the family that protects Arnie and defends him most of the time [13]. These parts of the movie drag it down and make Arnie seem like he is lesser rather than being different. It really highlights the fact that Arnie needed to get away from that toxic environment and needs proper care from a professional who is capable of helping Arnie and his needs. 

Forrest Gump was directed by Robert Zemeckis in 1994 and follows the story of a man named Forrest Gump played by Tom Hanks over the course of several decades in America. The movie begins with Forrest and his mother as his father died during an accident, which left Mrs. Gump a widow. Forrest is diagnosed as someone with a sub par IQ and intelligence, but Mrs. Gump teaches him to not let other people tell him otherwise. The story continues with Forrest going through life at different ages where he meets new people from numerous backgrounds. He goes through and lives through a number of historical events in history whether partaking in it such as the Vietnam War or causing it such as being the inspiration behind Elvis’s dancing or accidentally exposing Watergate. Moreover, the people that Forrest met are impacted by him in one way or another [5]. Audiences begin to wonder if Forrest is just a lucky individual or whether it is not what destiny has in store for him. The film delves into many themes whether it be love, life, purpose, choices, hope, friendship, or fate. 

Forrest Gump was very successful, as it went on to win six Oscars in a year where there were other great films such as the Shawshank Redemption, Scinlinder’s List, or Leon. There are a lot of takeaways from this film as there are numerous meanings to it. One of the main ones can be best explained by one particular line in the movie, which is “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you know what you’re gonna get.” In other words, it translates to the unpredictability of life in that anything can happen. Furthermore, it speaks to appreciating life and forging your path in life like Forrest and to keep on going. However, what does this say about disability? It is evident that Forrest has the will to keep on going in life, which shows that those living with disability are also capable of living and functioning in society just like everyone else. Forrest is able to change the people’s outlook on life, such as with Lieutenant Dan, who initially condemns and hates Forrest for saving his life. Lieutenant Dan was Forest’s commanding officer for the part of the film when Forrest enlists and fights in the Vietnam War. In battle, they are overrun by the enemy and must evacuate before an airstrike is called in to save them. Forrest repeatedly runs back and forth in the battlefield to save as many lives as he can. Dan is one of the soldiers that needed to be rescued. Dan wanted to die in war just as the men in his family who served in war, as it was a family tradition. Forrest saves him, but at the cost of Dan losing his legs. Audiences see how like many veterans of the Vietnam War, Dan was neglected and forgotten by his country, as he drank to cope with his depression. Slowly, Forrest changes Dan’s cynicism to optimism showing that one can get back up no matter the setback [8]. As a result, this film not only works as representation for mental disability, but also physical disabilities as both Forrest and Dan ultimately find their own purposes in life by not letting anything get in their way.  

I Am Sam was directed by Jessie Nelson in 2001 and follows the story of a single father and his daughter. The father is played by Sean Penn and is named Sam and the daughter played by Dakota Fanning is named Lucy. Sam is mentally challenged and only has the mental capacity that is equal to that of a seven year old child. The mother was a homeless woman that had a sexual relationship with Sam and left once Lucy was born, leaving him to raise her. Sam had the help of his friends who also happen to be mentally challenged or handicapped. Everything is in peril once Lucy turns seven, as she surpasses her father in intelligence and throws their relationship into jeopardy. A social worker wants to put Lucy into foster care, as Sam is deemed ill-equipped in raising his daughter as she continues to get older. Sam must now prove he is capable of raising his daughter and fights for custody with the help of a lawyer named Rita Harrison, who is played by Michelle Pfefier [7].

I Am Sam had mixed reviews from both audiences and critics, but was nonetheless a successful film. One of the main critiques of the movie was how the ending played out as if this court case were in real life, it wouldn't have not gone well for someone like Sam. However, it also leaves the audience with a new perspective such as being more empathic and understanding of the systemic challenges that individuals with disability. With the help of his friends and lawyer, Sam is able to prove people wrong and gets his happy ending by getting custody of his daughter. Lucy also has an adopted mother to help in nurturing her growth. Other things that makes this film stand out is that despite being mentally disabled, Sam is able to maintain a job, socialize with his friends, and be an active member of society. Sam understands his condition and what it's like to be a father as in one scene he says “it’s about consistency and it’s about patience. And it’s about listening and it’s about pretending to listen when you can’t listen anymore, and it’s about love.” when questioned by state officials. Rather than taking away the child and separating them, there should be support programs instead in aiding parents with special needs in helping them while they raise their children [6].

The Peanut Butter Falcon was directed by Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz in 2019 tells the story between two guys from different worlds crossing paths and going on adventure together. Zak, who is played by Zack Gottsagen, is an individual with Down syndrome and loves wrestling. He decides to run away from his nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler, along the way meeting Tyler, played by Shia LaBeouf. Tyler does illegal crab catches and is on the run after burning the gear of his rivals Duncan and Ratboy. Tyler befriends Zak and becomes like a coach or mentor figure forming an unlikely friendship. They travel together to Zak’s desired destination, which is the Salt Water Redneck’s wrestling school in North Carolina. Trouble comes along the way as Duncan and Ratboy are on Tyler’s tail as well as a nurse who cares for Zak named Eleanor, played by Dakota Johnson, catches up with Tyler and Zak. Eleanor decides to tag along and through this journey, audiences learn more about each of the three characters and their stories [12].

Despite having a limited theatrical release, The Peanut Butter Falcon was a success and was the highest-grossing independent film of 2019. What are the takeaways or themes of this movie? Such themes and meanings include never giving up on dreams, friendship, empathy, kindness, and freedom. Another thing that makes this movie stand out is that Zak is actually played by an actor who has Down syndrome, as typically characters with this condition are not in a lead role. Having an actor with Down syndrome play a character with Down syndrome is a step forward in terms of representation and allowing audiences with developmental disabilities to be able to relate to the story. Furthermore, Zack Gottsagen serves as an inspiration and example of how those with Down syndrome and disabilities are capable of becoming actors and to succeed. Gottsagen was initially meant to be recast as he was seen to be a gamble, but he proved everyone wrong by showing that he was the right person for the role. Actors like him help in pushing disability advocacy and inclusion forward giving them the spotlight to tell their stories and experiences [10].

Champions was directed by Bobby Farrelly in 2023 and tells the story of a basketball coach and a team. It is a remake of Campeones (2018), which was made in Spain. Marcus, who is played by Woody Harrelson, is a former minor league basketball coach who was recently arrested. As part of his arrangement with the law, Marcus receives a court order to manage a specific basketball team. This team turns out to be made up of individuals who are intellectually disabled, causing Marcus to have some doubts. He initially does not believe that the team will work and that they would not win and make it anywhere. Slowly, the doubts go away and Marcus is able to push this team and take them further than before. Marcus changes over the course of the movie by becoming less tough on his team and helping them overcome their weakness and to work as a team [3].

Like The Peanut Butter Falcon, Champions featured actors with disabilities who are characters with their own stories and are able to stand on their own. Themes include friendship, empathy, or overcoming various trials and tribulations. This movie is actually based on a real story where there is a team of intellectually disabled who were able to prove people wrong and make it as a team. Rather than being exploitative, it is a movie that involves inclusion with the team made up of actors who are disabled. Director Farrelly made sure that the actors were never the “butt of the joke” or for them to be laughed at and for them to be seen equally. Rather than focus on their disabilities, the main point was to focus on these characters as individuals and to tell their stories [2]. By doing so, it gives disabled actors a voice and for those in the audience to be able to relate.

Cinema has come a long way in portraying autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities over the years. One can see that it ultimately leads to a more positive light and direction in terms of representation. There were some ups and downs along the way, but in retrospect, the intentions were always well meant. Despite being outdated, Rain Man was the stepping stone in portrayal and representation as it was one of the first to bring attention to those living this condition in a time where people knew of it, but were not aware or understood it enough. Over time, with more of these kinds of movies, it brought awareness and understanding amongst the global community. These movies told a story and gave a voice to those with disabilities. The way forward is more inclusion for actors with developmental disabilities to play characters with disabilities rather than hiring actors who don’t live with it. It allows for a more authentic story and experience, as actors such as Zack Gottsagen know what it is like as an actor with Down syndrome. Hollywood needs to include more disabled actors as they are more than capable and talented. This would also help with audiences who disabled to be able to personally relate to movies and characters that feature disabled actors.

References:

[1]. Admin. “The Weird and Wonderful World of Savant Syndrome.” Team TMH, 3 June 2022, www.talkingmentalhealth.com/post/weird-wonderful-world-savant-syndrome. 

[2]. Burton, Jamie. “New Movie ‘Champions’ Doesn’t Exploit Disabled People, Says Kaitlin Olson.” Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2023, www.newsweek.com/movie-champions-kaitlin-olson-interview-doesnt-exploit-disabled-people-1786652. 

[3]. Champions (2023) dir. Bobby Farrelly

[4]. Dupont, says: Adelaide, et al. “A Look Back at the Movie Rain Man and How Our Views of Autism Have Changed.” The Art of Autism, 26 June 2021, the-art-of-autism.com/a-look-back-at-the-movie-rain-man-and-how-are-views-of-autism-have-changed/. 

[5]. Forrest Gump (1994) dir. Robert Zemeckis

[6]. “‘I Am Sam,’ A Film That Gets It, Finally.” Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2002, www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-04-et-levy4-story.html. 

[7]. I Am Sam (2001) dir. Jessie Nelson 

[8]. Lopez, Kristen. “‘Forrest Gump’ at 25: Disability Representation (for Better and Worse).” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 5 July 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/kristenlopez/2019/07/05/forrest-gump-at-25-disability-representation-for-better-and-worse/.

[9]. Macready, Tyler. “How ‘the Peanut Butter Falcon’ Is a Step Forward in Disability Representation.” Collider, 4 June 2022, collider.com/peanut-butter-falcon-does-disability-representation-right/. 

[10]. “Rain Man at 30: Damaging Stereotype or ‘the Best Thing That Happened to Autism’?” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 13 Dec. 2018, www.theguardian.com/film/2018/dec/13/rain-man-at-30-autism-hoffman-cruise-levinson. 

[11]. Rain Man (1998) dir. Barry Levinson

[12]. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) dir. Tyler Nilson, and Michael Schwartz

[13]. “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” Psychology 411 Term Project: Movie Reviews, psychology411termproject.weebly.com/whats-eating-gilbert-grape.html. 

[14]. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) dir. Lasse Hallström