Temple Grandin Film: Beyond Rain Man

As a mother of a child with autism and as a trusted children's educator, I thank HBO for focusing on the gifts - the abilities within the challenges of autism. I commend everyone who was involved in the making of Temple Grandin and beg all to see this fabulous film. Claire Danes is riveting in her embodiment of the beloved Temple Grandin. The entire cast - exceptional; the script and direction - perfection.

I cannot help but be reminded of Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Rain Man and must compare Claire Danes to this legendary performance. The difference, however, between Rain Man and Temple Grandin - is that today people with autism - because of the real-life Temple Grandin: who she is and what she has accomplished - are no longer sentenced to an institutionalized life. Thank you HBO for highlighting the gifts of autistics. This film will truly change the world for people like my son.

Elaine Hall
"CoachE" in Autism: The Musical
Author, Now I See the Moon (HarperStudio, HarperCollins June 2010)

 

 

 

Comments

[indywoman]

12:53 PM on 02/16/2010

I saw this movie while channel surfing, and thought I'd give it a few minutes. I was hooked almost immediately. Temple Grandin is a fascinating person. I had no idea that a person with autism could be this high functioning, or have such an understanding of their own autism. Wow. Everyone should see this film because so many people have autism now, it is a window of understanding into this condition, and I feel humbled after watching it. This woman has accomplished more than I will in my life, and her love and respect towards animals is inspiring.

I love the line, "Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be!" Claire Danes is great in this role, and I hope lots of people see it. I think it would be a great movie for children in elementary school, because it not only gives you an idea of what autism is like, but how autism can allow a person to understand things that average people cannot. We need to understand that brains work in different ways in different people, and even without autism, people learn in different ways, and our educational system should be able to assess this and be more accommidating.

[jinglejanglemorning]

08:16 AM on 02/16/2010

There are not enough adjectives to describe this movie. I was in tears by the final scene where Claire Danes as Temple talks about her autism. You just have to see it! As the mother of two severely autistic daughters, it gives me great hope. You never, ever give up on these wonderful children. Temple was very fortunate to have a determined family working tirelessly with her and believing in her. There was a line in the movie how she wants her life to have meaning. Dr. Grandin, you have succeeded! Thank you from this autism mom!

[JimmyFireman22]

10:52 PM on 02/15/2010

Our six year old son is autistic (high functioning), and my wife and I had the pleasure last summer to meet Ms. Grandin at one of her lectures in Aspen. She truly is a remarkable person, and I agree with your assessment of the impact of this movie. Temple has given us a role model to use as we raise our son into adulthood. I hope it shows society what is really going on with some of our children. As you know, awareness, early intervention, and education are the keys.

Thank you, Elaine, for "keeping it going".

[Kevin Morrow]

06:14 PM on 02/15/2010

Based on the previews I had some interest to see it but my wife got me to watch it after reminding me of the 60 minutes feature from a few years ago. INCREDIBLE movie based on an INCREDIBLE person/story.

Not just Temple Grandin but her family were all inspirational.

Claire Danes should definitely win an emmy for this performance as well as the writers, directors, etc...

It did inspire me to write a rather light hearted post of my own at http://www.iamdazedandconfused.com that wonders if a current TV show is based on this story.