Movie Review – Adam
September 18th, 2009 Posted in Miscellaneous, Social Skills
Anyone who is close to someone with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s will not blink an eye at Adam’s (played by Hugh Dancy) peculiar habits. His pantry and freezer are packed with one specific brand of cereal and frozen dinner – his entire diet. He is brilliant at his electronics engineering job, but is oblivious to social overtures by his coworkers and boss. However, this movie is not about Adam’s routines or his social skills (though they both play an undeniably important role.) Adam is a dramatic comedy that honestly portrays the highs and lows of a romantic relationship in which one of the partners happens to have Asperger’s.
The strength of this movie, and why people who know Asperger’s will appreciate it, is that it remains heartfelt and realistic to the end. Adam slowly grows and evolves, but he is doesn’t miraculously learn to not have Asperger’s. Adam will always have trouble with eye contact and anxiety, but the story remains focused on what he does learn and the things he can do. While the happy ending might not be the one you expect, it’s there.
Adam was released July 29th, 2009 to limited theaters. To read more reviews, and watch a trailer, click here.
One Response to “Movie Review – Adam”
By Lydia Roberts on Oct 14, 2010
I am using the movie to teach students with Aspergers/help them learn and understand more about the challenges within a relationship and the needs of Neuros. We are also looking at Adam and his development as a character.
I have a question do you think Adam has savant like abilities with computers/technical or is it just a question of, like his love of stars etc, an obsession?
Also if you get the DVD and look at the special features there are interviews with the cast – not sure I like the use of the word odd ( those who have seen it may know what I mean)
Hope you can give some ideas on the Savant front.
Kind regards,
Lydia