Temple Grandin...new HBO movie. Anybody see it?

[LJC1861]

This is a fascinating movie that gives insight into what it is like living with Autism.

In the movie, which does not do a whole lot of explaining, she deals with food issues, sensory issues, clothing issues, behavioral issues and what she did to help herself live with her Autism. Temple was, in a sense the first person with autism to tell us what it felt like to live with autism.

She is a brilliant woman, who is a totally visual learner. She also cannot generalize or categorize things in her mind. When we see an object that we wear on our feet, we categorize and recognize that at "shoe" When she sees the same shoe that and only that becomes "shoe" for her. Each time she sees another shoe of a different style it becomes something new. She had to learn that "things worn on feet" are all shoes.

The movie focuses on her affinity for cattle. From an early age she knew, from being on her Aunt's ranch, that being with cattle helped to calm her. She was able to turn that into a career by becoming one of the most highly sought after designer of organizational systems for stock yards, desging systems that were more humane for the cattle.

If you haven't check out this sure to be Emmy nominated film. Claire Danes portrays Temple and did a spot on impersonation of this truly unique woman.

Linda

 

[TangaroaTiki]

Yes, I thought it was fascinating. Claire Danes did
an amazing job.

 

[kafitty]

i really liked it too! Claire Danes did an amazing job, and i really liked the way they cut in how she "saw" the world at times. i guess the actual Temple Grandin really liked the movie as well, so that's a great endorsement!

 

[LJC1861]

Yes, the way she "sees" and understands spoken language is crucial to the movie. Communication issues are one of the biggest things facing people with autism. Most communicate and understand verbal communication very concretely....black and white. Idiom, innuendo, and implied meanings in conversations go largely misunderstood by those living with Autism.

The image of her Aunt and Uncle sitting on the roof with the rooster, in response to her Aunt saying " we get up with the rooster around here" is classic.

I once had a conversation with a man with Autism who was headed to the beach for vacation. He was terrified of encountering a shark. I told him to "keep his eyes peeled" and he would be fine. He looked at me quizzically and said " Miss Linda, you can't peel your eyes!" He was right of course and as soon as I told him that if he just paid attention and looked around for sharks he would be safe he was fine.

There were several such references in the movie and each one of them really hits home how much of our language just doesn't make sense.

Linda

 

[Carly_Roach]

I saw it when it first debuted and I was so relieved to see (finally) a movie that came out and showed how high-functioning Autistics see the world. There are many more of us around you than you'll ever know. I'm so glad they finally did Temple's story in a realm where more people would see it on TV than would have gone to a theatre to see it.

Excellent work on the part of Claire Danes and kudos to the filmmakers who kept it real!

 

[Poohbear123]

i really liked it too! Claire Danes did an amazing job, and i really liked the way they cut in how she "saw" the world at times. i guess the actual Temple Grandin really liked the movie as well, so that's a great endorsement!

I watched it late one night, and it was awesome!

 

[NMAmy]

I watched it a couple of weeks ago and DH and I both found it fascinating. I've been telling everyone I know to watch it, as well.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I loved it. I love true stories but her life story is just fascinating. Being a teacher, there are a lot of autistic children in my school and there is such a wide range of levels. I watched a short "making of" on demand and it looks like Temple herself was involved in the movie somewhat. I would love to hear more about her life from her!

 

[PollyannaMom]

i really liked it too! Claire Danes did an amazing job, and i really liked the way they cut in how she "saw" the world at times....

Me too. I definitely recommend the movie.

 

[wdw4us2]

Excellent movie - I've actually watched it three times now. If Claire Danes doesn't get nominated for the Best Actress Emmy, I'll really be annoyed.

Did you notice that Anthony Edwards from ER and Gil Bellows of Ally McBeal were Executive Producers of the film?

 

[AKL_Megs]

I watched it a couple of weeks ago and DH and I both found it fascinating. I've been telling everyone I know to watch it, as well.

Me too! DH and I both watch it whenever it's on the TV! Really great movie!

Excellent movie - I've actually watched it three times now. If Claire Danes doesn't get nominated for the Best Actress Emmy, I'll really be annoyed.

Did you notice that Anthony Edwards from ER and Gil Bellows of Ally McBeal were Executive Producers of the film?

I am right there with you. She deserves something.

 

[hoosll]

I agree the movie is great. If you want to know more about Temple, I strongly recommend any of the books she has written. She does a woderful job of describing her perception of the world and also how animals see the world.