How well does this film portray autism?
I believe this film, Mercury Rising, does a good job of depicting the amazing gifts and perspective that accompany autism. Nine-year-old Simon's unique view on numbers and puzzles helped him crack what was thought to be an impenetrable code which conceals some of the nation's most important secrets. While his ability put him in danger, he is also appreciated by his new friend Art, as an incredibly special young boy.
To describe how this movie presented Simon as an autistic boy, I will divide the characteristic behaviors he displayed into four categories.
To describe how this movie presented Simon as an autistic boy, I will divide the characteristic behaviors he displayed into four categories.
Communication and Social Interaction:
Simon's communication through the film is customary of the differences in communication typically demonstrated by autistics. First of all, Simon rarely makes eye contact voluntarily. Only after the individual he is interacting with guides his gaze over to their eyes, with the aid of their fingers to lead the way. Simon also appears to have some delays in language acquisition. He rarely ever talks, except when repeating instructions to himself, such as "very hot, sip it slowly," when drinking hot cocoa, and "don't talk to strangers." Also, when Simon does utter these instructional phrases to himself, his voice is very monotone and he talks very slowly. Simon also enjoys playing by himself, and while at school he had to be asked by the teacher to return to sitting at the table by his classmates.
Overall, this film does a good job of portraying autism through Simon's communication differences. Simon's lack of eye contact is very typical in autistics, as well as delays in language acquisition. One aspect I did not enjoy however, was that Simon's language makes him sound almost robotic. From the autistics we have heard speak this semester, while some do display monotone voices, Simon's is exaggerated and too robotic sounding.
Overall, this film does a good job of portraying autism through Simon's communication differences. Simon's lack of eye contact is very typical in autistics, as well as delays in language acquisition. One aspect I did not enjoy however, was that Simon's language makes him sound almost robotic. From the autistics we have heard speak this semester, while some do display monotone voices, Simon's is exaggerated and too robotic sounding.
Intense Interests:
Many autistic's display intense fascinations with particular objects, and for Simon, this interest is in puzzles. Simon loves completing puzzle books and he is so talented at solving puzzles that he is able to crack what was thought to be an impenetrable government code. Simon also appears to have an interest in maps and is seen tracing the route to his house on maps or announcing aloud the way to his house.
Atypical Senses:
Atypical senses are also a characteristic displayed by many autistics, including Simon. When riding in the ambulance with Art on the way to the hospital, Simon gets very overwhelmed by the loud noise of the sirens, and covers his ears and rocks back and forth to help alleviate some of the stress this noise causes him.
Stimming Behavior:
Simon also displays stimming behaviors, which are performed by many autistics. His stimming includes rocking back and forth and flapping his hands and body. Stimming behavior helps autistics relieve stress when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Need for Routine:
Simon also appears to enjoy having a strict routine to follow. Everyday when he comes home from school he walks over to the counter and grabs a cup to make hot cocoa with his mother. Even after his mother has passed away, when Simon enters his house he immediately goes to the kitchen counter to make hot cocoa. Simon also has flashcards with pictures of his parents, teachers, house, ect., to help him navigate his way through his day. Sticking to a routine is very important to autistics, as Simon displayed, and the flashcards that Simon possess can assist him in adhering to his schedule.
Overall...
...I think that Mercury Rising does a good job of accurately portraying the characteristic behaviors of autism. With the exception of Simon appearing too robotic in his movements and communication, the rest of Simon's behaviors accurately depict autism.
How do the other characters view Simon and his autism?
While some characters in Mercury Rising appreciate Simon's unique and wonderful gift, others look down upon this boy because he has autism. Colonel Kudrow refers to Simon as "one of nature's mistakes." Unfortunately, Colonel Kudrow is not the only one is the world who view autism as a "mistake" that should be eliminated or cured. This semester we have learned of the many groups and people desperately trying to cure autism. It is unfortunate for those individuals that they are so blinded by prejudice that they are unable to see the remarkable gifts autistics possess. Other characters in the film, however, do appreciate autism, at least moreso than Colonel Kudrow. When explaining to Colonel Kudrow that a nine-year-old autistic boy cracked this government code, Dean Crandall reminds Kudrow that "autism isn't synonymous with diminished capacity. It is clear that Dean admires Simon for being able to crack the code, and views his autism as a gift. Hopefully, as society becomes more informed about autism, the Colonel Kudrows of the world can be eliminated and more people will come to appreciate autism as the gift that it is.