Introduction
The movie selected for the critique is Neurotypical, Adam Larsen’s documentary on autism from the perspective of individuals diagnosed with the condition. The independent movie was released in 2013 and is 52 minutes long. As a documentary, the film is centered around one central idea, which is later developed into several points explored by examining the lives of three people with autism.
The thesis of the movie correlates with the idea that being neurotypical does not necessarily imply being the standard that each individual is to strive for. Instead, neurodivergent individuals, while not aligning with the parading of the “neurotypical world,” are remarkable in their differences, perceptions, and nuanced overviews of life.
Explanation
As mentioned, the film opens with an illustration of the main characters’ lives. Namely, three individuals diagnosed with autism, the child, Violet, the teenager, Nicholas, and the adult, Paula, are introduced separately (Larsen, 2013). The settings differ based on the person who is being featured.
Nonetheless, the conflict remains the same and highlights the idea of individuals with autism adapting to the neurotypical world around them. The plot illustrates how the people try to understand those who see the world differently and vice versa. Based on the events in the movie, it is inevitable that, while differences exist, both parties can find understanding through sharing emotions and feelings.
Analysis and Evaluation
The director achieved his purpose of portraying how people with autism fit into the neurotypical world. It was exemplified by illustrating the day-to-day activities of neurodivergent and neurotypical people. For example, Violet, the youngest person portrayed in the documentary, may be different from “typical children” yet has the same interests, desires, and traits as any other individual her age (Larsen, 2013). However, her mother’s lack of desire to have her diagnosed is, indeed, limiting as it denies her opportunities to manage her condition.
Thus, the movie highlights that not accepting the diagnosis reinforces the idea that people with autism cannot be considered “normal.” Additionally, all the interviews highlighted in the film contain questions that a neurotypical person would ask someone with autism, which adds an informative connotation. The music and sound also generate a particular atmosphere ranging from fun and exciting to sad or depressing.
Conclusion
Adam Larsen’s Neurotypical is an exceptional movie as it is relatable to individuals who are neurodivergent as well as those who are neurotypical and would like to understand the world through a different perspective. The film is somewhat subjective as it aims to present certain circumstances from the viewpoint of someone with autism.
Moreover, by including characters of different ages, the film’s creators managed to facilitate a dynamic and complex understanding of the condition and circumstances that can either maximize isolation or minimize it. The impressions the movie left are linked to the general understanding that differences do not imply that one is superior but exemplify how diverse and unique each person is.
Learning Outcomes
Working on this project has made me realize that the barriers that certain people experience are put in place because of the existence of a standard that is thought to be ideal. Thus, not recognizing that each person is an individual rather than a part of a group generates inequalities and the inability of neurodivergent people to fully integrate into society.
A person who does not know about autism can watch the movie and understand that, just as neurotypical people, those with autism differ from each other. The diagnosis does not imply a set of traits and skills each person shares. Instead, they have different views, perspectives, personalities, and abilities.
References
Larsen, A. (2013). Neurotypical [Film]. POV.