The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

"True story of the Elle France editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who, in 1995 at the age of 43, suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire body, except his left eye. Using that eye to blink out his memoir, Bauby eloquently described the aspects of his interior world, from the psychological torment of being trapped inside his body to his imagined stories from lands he'd only visited in his mind."

The reviews that I've read (http://www.salon.com/ent/movies/review/2007/11/30/diving_bell/, http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2008/02/04/the_diving_bell_and_the_butterfly_2008_review.shtml, http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071220/REVIEWS/712200301/1023) all seem to praise the film as inspirational. From the trailer, it does seem like a rather heroic story.

I'm not sure, though, who exactly it would appeal to. Since it is a French film, if it was shown in French with English subtitles, I'm sure the French Club would come. Otherwise, though, it's probably one of those movies that people have heard of but never seen, so would attract a general group of film goers. As for points of discussion, well... I'm not really sure. I'd probably have to see the whole movie.

Murderball

Murderball is a documentary following the athletic, quadriplegics who play wheelchair rugby. The film is visually very interesting and covers many topics, like sex, that most able-bodied people wonder about but are too shy to ask about. It is also honest enough to show the men, flaws and all, so that while it can be very inspiring, the documentary does not act like a paralyzing accident makes everyone a saint. Most reviews that I have read of Murderball are very positive, including those submitted by quadriplegics (imdb.com and amazon.com). 

This film would probably be very interesting to athletes and the general population. Points of discussion could include the sexism portrayed, the acceptance of their injuries (which is explored in the documentary), and also what a sport like this can do, mentally, for a male quadriplegic. 

"Inside I'm Dancing/Rory O'Shea Was Here" (2004)

"Rory O'Shea moves to the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, affecting the lives of the residents. Roy is able to understand the unintelligible speech of Michael Connolly, who was left in the shelter by his prominent father many years ago due to his cerebral palsy, and they become close friends. Rory convinces Michael to move from Carrigmore to an apartment in Dublin, and they hire the gorgeous Siobhan to assist them. Living together with Rory, Michael faces a new world, finding friendship, love and freedom and learning to survive by his own."
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417791/plotsummary)

This film seems to be about friendship, and although it features mostly male figures, may still add some variety to the festival's lineup because it is more of an adventure story, and therefore moves away from the romantic, quest, or documentary films. The trailer shows the film to be visually interesting and fairly recent, so it may be good to draw in a crowd. The reviews of the film I have found seems positive, like these: http://www.flixster.com/movie/rory-oshea-was-here-inside-im-dancing

Without seeing the film in entirety, I'm not sure what specific tie-ins we can find to different groups.

The Theory of Flight (1998)

Reviews - http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/theory_of_flight/

While giving an opportunity to represent more women, "The Theory of Flight" is probably not a good candidate for our festival. Upon viewing the trailer as a group, no one seemed to find it particularly appealing for several reasons. The film appears very dated, so I doubt it will draw in much of a crowd. It also falls along the plot lines of a romantic film; several of our other film candidates also have romantic aspects. The film is also rated R, like most of the films we have reviewed. In light of the fact that this film adds little variety to our lineup, and that it is a visual dated film, I do not think this movie will appeal to a largely collegiate audience. I do not recommend "The Theory of Flight" as a candidate for the film festival.

Post-viewing Survey

Here are some ideas for survey questions after participants have viewed each movie in our film festival:

1.  How did you hear about the Disability Film Festival at TTU?

     a) flyer

     b) class recommendation/requirement

     c) friend recommendation

     d) newspaper

2.  Why did you choose to attend?

      a) have friend or family member with a disability

      b) interested in the topic

      c) class credit

      d) other, please specify___________________________

3.  How would you rate this film?

      a) excellent

      b) good

      c) average

      d) lose it!

4.  Is this your first visit to our film festival?

      a) yes

      b) no

5.  Will you return for future films?

      a) of course!

      b) not a chance!

  

6.  Please leave any comments or suggestions you have to help us improve our film festival.

Molly

Beautiful and vibrant, Molly experiences life through the eyes of a chile.  Autistic since birth, Molly (played by Elisabeth Shue) has lived in an institution since her parents' deaths.  The institution must close due to financial problems, and Molly goes to live with her older brother, Buck (played by Aaron Eckhart), an advertising executive, and creates nothing but chaos in his orderly world.  Buck consults Molly's neurologist (played by JillHennessy), who suggests an experimental surgery to treat Molly's autism.  This procedure could completely "cure" her autism, but is it worth the risk?  Molly is willing to take the chance.

Viewed from the perspective of disability studies, this film showcases an in-depth portrayal of a disabled woman, whereas all of our other films and documentaries present only men.  Its plot is mainstream with easily recognizable actors, so it should have wide appeal.  Spirituality and Practice gave a good review.  Though it received mostly negative reviews from professional film critics, we must remember that we are looking at it through the perspective of disability studies, with different goals in mind.  If nothing else, it may generate good discussion for our audience.  Released in 1998, this film is rated PG-13, and is available on DVD.

What's Bugging Seth?

Based on a driven young man who is hearing-impaired, What's Bugging Seth? is a unique love story.  Seth believes one thing--he is no different from anyone else.  He cannot deny his disability.  He throws his life savings into a pest control business and, along the way, he meets Alma, a double amputee who knows how unfair the world can be.  They find romance as they bond over their disabilities, but will their love last, however, when Seth's high school sweetheart returns home after a disappointing modeling career?

This film focuses on themes common to everyone--insecurity and independence.  With wide audience appeal, What's Bugging Seth? is both charming and comedic.  Moreso than some of the other documentaries and films we have selected, this film can generate discussion based on the aspect of romantic love in regard to disability.  Released in 2005, this film gives insight into the everyday lives of the disabled, and is currently available on DVD.