Review of Temple Grandin (2010) by Theta S — 09 Apr 2011

Set predominantly in the 1960's and 1970's, Temple Grandin is the true story of a young autistic woman (Claire Danes) who, with the support her family, an inspirational teacher and her own strength of character, goes from boarding school to college and become a foremost authority in psychology, through the use of self-medicating the panic attacks associated with her condition, and animal husbandry, through her study of ensuring that cattle are treated humanely in situations where they are normally stressed.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

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Autism and animal husbandry. Not exactly subjects that appear to go together in a film, but bear with me because this is a worthwhile TV movie.

Right from the introduction by Danes, the viewer is ushered into a film with a unique view of the world which is refreshing to see.

Claire Danes is fantastic as Temple. She removes the usual "movie of the week" cliche and gives a well rounded performance which requires her to play different emotional styles - from happiness and humour to frustration, anger and pain. Along with the emotional aspects of her performance, Danes gives a convincing representation of Temple's keen intellect and her desire to excel in her chosen educational and career fields.

The supporting cast is of an equally high calibre with Julia Ormond and Catherine O'Hara as Temple's mother and aunt respectively who have to portray not only the need to protect Temple from the outside world but also the need to integrate her into it.

But the key member of the supporting cast, is David Strathairn who has limited screen time in the role of Doctor Carlock, who is Temple's only ally in the teaching staff at boarding school, provides the focus for her unique talents in mathematics and science, the inspiration for her to go into the fields of psychology and animal husbandry and teach her some important life lessons.

I have seen some criticism that the film uses visual tricks as in "A Beautiful Mind" to represent the world as Temple sees it. Yes, the film does use visual effects (such as showing the way that cattle move, how horses see and visual representations of conversations), but without this you don't get a sense of her perspective which is the driving force of the film.

Temple Grandin is a film with smarts which is also life affirming and inspirational. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's worth a punt if the opportunity arises to watch it.