MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Temple Grandin Rated TV PG

Directed by Mick Jackson.  Starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormand

Photo © 2010 HBO
Movie Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor Glader

Since theatrical films are pretty fluffy these days, let me direct your attention to one of the best films of 2010 that was never shown at your local multiplex.

Temple Grandin was originally an HBO film that won seven Emmys, including Outstanding Made for Television Movie, Best Direction, and acting Emmys for Danes, Ormand, and David Strathairn. 

It tells the true story of Temple Grandin (Danes), an autistic woman (and genius) whose dogged determinism and loving support from her mother (Ormand) and a caring teacher (Strathairn) led to great accomplishments in livestock handling and animal care, and even some advances in autism awareness and treatment. 

The film begins with Temple as a youth, telling the story of her education and career.  But the film is more than a standard biopic. 

Through creative art direction and ingenious storytelling, we are shown visually how the mind of an autistic person works. There are many kinds of autism, of course, and this is an exceptional example.

But for Christians who seek to grow in our understanding of all persons, this film is a good first step.

Temple Grandin is inspiring and memorable, and appropriate for middle-school age children and older.

Pitchfork/Halo Ratings:
Five halos.
A great made-for-television movie that celebrates a great life and those persons who encouraged greatness to develop.

One pitchfork.
For non-graphic scenes in a slaughterhouse..

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