Adam – Musings 0
I went to see Adam last night. In case you aren’t aware of this movie (and it isn’t surprising, considering the limited release), it is about a man with Asperger Syndrome who falls in love with a neuro-typical (referred to as NTs).
Being somewhat on the spectrum myself – it is hard for an adult to get a diagnosis, especially an adult female – I thought I should go and check it out. I found the only local cinema showing it, and joined the enormous Orange Wednesdays queue. Despite queuing round the side of the building, there were maybe 10 other people in the room.
Many critics have condemned the film as dull, one or two (who shall remain credit-less) comparing it unfavourably to Rainman due to the protagonist’s lack of savant powers (see Autistic Impressions here for more on the savant focus in movies and its influence). Or they set the film up as: “Look at how weird these people are. Look at how abnormal they are – they must suffer sooooo much! Isn’t it no surprise they can’t have proper relationships?”
Adam is ultimately a film about love and humanity, and while Adam shows a great knowledge in the area of space and engineering, he is clearly not a savant. Just a regular Aspie. To me, that’s what makes the film so charming, even if the script feels as disconnected as its main character.
