Saturday, March 31, 2007

Martian Child and Autism Acceptance (Journal #62)


It was a rainy day...a day deserving of making yet another appearance at our local theatre. Yes, even after last weeks attempt at "Mimzy", Disneys "The Robinson's" has been on our list for awhile. To add risk to this outing, our theatre was showing the digital 3D version. Let's just say that Sam gave it a big 2 thumbs up. But that was not the only thing that touched me at the theatre today...it was the previews. I was in tears during a preview for the first time ever.

Maybe I am a little behind the news, but I knew nothing of this new movie coming out in June, called Martian Child. You have already seen the trailer attached. I don't know about you, but this was screaming "acceptance" to me loud and proud. This little child, whether he is from Mars or not, sure does resemble a unique and special child who could be autistic or have Asperger's Syndrome. The lengthy trailer at the theatre displayed this adorable child in a manner that reminded me of some of the interesting, cute and quirky things that Sam does or would do. The way he examines his world like the boy checking out the trees in the car. How he appears to wear sunglasses frequently, reminding me of Sam's sensitivity that he used to have to light. The way the boy just wants to have a family and learn human"ness". I believe all our little ones are like that. I am telling ya, I had tears from the stupid preview, I can't imagine what the movie will be like.

But what I hope the movie "really" is like...is that it teaches the world a lesson on acceptance of everyone, not tolerance ( I HATE that word, we should never just tolerate others), but acceptance...acceptance for everyone- autistic or neurotypical, black or white, Jew or gentile, rich or poor, short or tall, skinny or large...but all.

The line that caught me in the preview was when the little boy says to John Cusack, "Is it good to be like everyone else?"

I can't wait to see this movie!

A Twist of Faith
With Holy Week here, I hope everyone is reminded of that incredible Savior who wasn't accepted nor tolerated and was put on the cross. Put there in fact, so that we all may live a life full of acceptance and love for everyone.

6 comments:

Wendy said...

I hadn't heard about this movie until I read your post. The sound on my computer isn't working so I can't fully enjoy the preview but I'll definitely put it on my Netflix list (actually GO to the movies? With 4 children? I don't think so!).

I'd end up seeing the film anyway. John Cusack is in it. That's enough for me! :)

Club 166 said...

This does look like a good movie. Thanks for the heads up.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a really good movie! Can't wait to see it!

MOTHER OF MANY said...

I like the sound of the film and I will be looking out for it.
I agree with your A Twist of Faith sentiments that you shared at the end of your blog entry.

BlueNight said...

My first thought on the trailer was "Asperger's!" As an adult diagnosed with Asperger's, initially misdiagnosed as ADHD, I wanted to see this movie so much.

Until I started researching it on the Internet. It turns out the child's issues are not spectrum-related, but the result of some sort of abuse. At least, early descriptions indicate this. We'll know more closer to the release date.

Digging deeper, I found it is based on the novel by David Gerrold, fictionalizing his own adoption of his own son, Sean. In the reviews of those books, mentions of Autism or Asperger's are nowhere to be found.

Either way, I still want to see it, because I am a big fan of John Cusack (and Joan Cusack too). But I advise you to prescreen it alone first.

mysamiam said...

Blue Night~ Thanks for the research. I searched too to find out more info, but didn't have good luck. Kudos to the Cusack's too! I had guessed there wouldn't be mention to Autism or Asperger's, but what I had hoped is that it rings with acceptance of others in this world no matter what. And it would help you and our children on the spectrum to be understood as people first. Thanks for sharing!