By Justin Svarc
Movie posters acquired from: https://www.movieposterdb.com/
Intro: 0-3:45
Movie Reflections: 3:45-34:21
Historical Reflection/Moving Forward: ~34:30-42:35
Motivating Questions/Criterion:
- Authenticity and Accuracy of Portrayal:
- Accuracy of Depiction: Are the portrayed disabilities consistent with real-world medical, psychological, or social experiences?
- Complexity of Character: Does the character with a disability have a well-rounded personality, goals, and flaws beyond their disability?
- Nuance Over Stereotypes: Is the portrayal free from common stereotypes (e.g., the “inspirational hero,” “bitter recluse,” or “burden” tropes)?
- Casting and Representation:
- Actors with Disabilities: Is the role played by an actor with the same or a similar disability, thereby providing authentic representation?
- Opportunity and Inclusion: Does the production show evidence of inclusive casting processes and advisory input from the disability community?
- Role in the Narrative:
- Agency and Autonomy: Does the disabled character have their own agency, make meaningful decisions, and influence the plot rather than just serving as a device for another character’s growth?
- Integration into the Story: Is the character’s disability just a side note or essential for understanding their perspective in a way that adds depth to the narrative?
- Range of Relationships: Does the character engage in a variety of relationships (family, friends, colleagues) that reflect the full breadth of human experience?
- Contextual Sensitivity and Social Environment:
- Accessibility Depicted: Are realistic accessibility issues, accommodations, and barriers represented (e.g., sign language interpretation, ramps, assistive technology)?
- Intersectionality: Does the portrayal acknowledge how other aspects of the character’s identity (gender, race, culture) intersect with their disability?
- Impact and Reception:
- Community Feedback: Have members of the disabled community responded positively to the portrayal, or highlighted inaccuracies and harmful elements?
- Avoidance of Exploitation: Is the character’s disability used merely as a plot device for shock value, pity, or a simplistic inspirational message?
- Contributions of Disabled Voices in Production:
- Consultation and Advisors: Were disability consultants or advocacy groups involved in the scriptwriting, production, or direction process?
- Behind-the-Scenes Representation: Did people with disabilities have creative control or significant input in shaping how disability is portrayed?
[Pictured above is a spreadsheet outlining the scores for each movie]
