Disability in the Movies
There have been plenty of movies that portray people with development disabilities. Generally, the impact they make on those of us who don’t know much about the particulars of what it’s like to live with a disability can be lasting. Many people get their information from the big and little screens and movie makers have been remiss in how they depict characters displaying a disability. Often many of these representations are inaccurate, and some, well are just offensive.
Below I have presented some clips, lists, and links to a wide range of
Disability on Film
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) presented a month-long look at movies, exploring the ways people with disabilities have been portrayed on film. The Projected Image: A History of Disability in Film featured more than 20 films ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s. Each night was dedicated to a particular aspect or type of disability, covering blindness, deafness, psychiatric or intellectual disabilities. The event also explored newly disabled veterans returning home from war.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lICDd85yEFY&w=420&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CaeyReHzD8&w=420&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL4iuxbn8kc&w=420&h=315]
Top 10 Movies that Get People with Special Needs Right[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixqa7fVNGlQ&w=560&h=315]
Here is a link to an article that I came across entitled 9 Oscar-Nominated Films That Got Disease and Disability (Mostly) Right on the website The Mighty.
And here is a list of television shows that portray characters with disabilities,
TV Series Featuring Characters or Performers With Disabilities
on the aboutParenting website in the children with special needs section.
What are your thoughts? Do you think movies portray individuals with disabilities in a favorable light or discredit them all together? What are your favorite movie portrayals of people experiencing a disability?
LINKS:
The Projected Image: A History of Disability on Film
‘Front of the Class’ brings Tourette’s to forefront-TV Review
Disability in Film – Movies List on MUBI
The Guardian-Disability in film: Is Cinema finally moving with the times?