Review of Mockingbird Don't Sing (2001) by Reilly J — 31 Aug 2010

This independent film is a fictionalisation of a truly fucked story, of extreme child abuse, the true story of Genie the wild child. Would you believe this? From age one, her parents strapped the poor girl to a potty chair and kept her in isolation till she was 13 years old. When her mother left her father took her with her when seeking benefits for the blind, she thought that she was 6 years old and autistic. Jesus Christ, it sends shivers down your spine.

This film dramatises the events and changes the names. Genie's name is now Katie. We get the story of her relationship with UCLA grad student Sandra Tannen and the problems they encounter along the way.

This film shifts in mood quite a bit. It goes from disturbing to feel-good and cute then flashes back to disturbing then a little depressing. Sometimes I think it shifted mood a little too much, but it was okay. It's a very engaging film, totally watchable but in the end it's not that great. There are some emotions in this film but not enough really. I was expecting it to hit the tender button a couple of times but it never quite got there.

The actors I found to be quite average, I would really say they were bad but they certainly weren't not worthy, except that of 11-year-old Tarra Steele who does a convincing job as Katie.

Overall I think that this could have been a lot better. It's worth watching but don't bust your arse looking for it.

I'll give it 3 stars.