Few films I watch can I describe as “inspirational”, but the movie ‘Temple Grandin’ (HBO) is one of those films.
Claire Danes, who portrays Temple Grandin, has a long list of accomplishments to her credit, my favorite being ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but ‘Temple Grandin’ will be one movie that will stick in my mind as one of her best works – like Patty Duke’s role in ‘The Miracle Worker’. Some movies just touch you that way.
Temple Grandin suffers from autism. But, maybe “suffers” is the wrong word. It might be better to say that Temple is autistic and shows the world that autism is a disability that can be overcome. In Temple’s case, autism is one of the tools she used to achieve her success. She went on to earn her doctorate and has become an authority in animal science and what it means to be autistic.
The movie explores Temple’s life and her struggle during her high school and college years. It also shows the downside of autism, to a point that you might feel a little uncomfortable watching some scenes. But, overall, the movie takes those awkward moments, combines them with Temple’s guts and determination, and teaches us about possibilities.
In the movie, Temple says, ” …I was different, but not less.” And she’s proven that. Dr. Grandin is now a published author, accomplished speaker and college professor.
Watch it. Learn. Be inspired.
More about Temple Grandin at http://www.templegrandin.com. Watch this movie on HBO and HBO on Demand.