Van Redin/HBO

Good Views: Temple Grandin

Posted March 31, 2010

As a passionate moviegoer and movie blog critic, Regions associate Bret Pippen shares his take on good films.

TEMPLE GRANDIN grew up autistic during the 1950s when autism and treatments for autism were misunderstood by just about everyone. When visiting doctors, Temple’s mother was told there was not treatment for her and that the best thing for Temple and for her family was for her to be institutionalized. However, her mother refused to do this and proceeded to work to rear Temple in as normal environment as possible.

This HBO-produced movie is based on Temple’s book, Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism (published in 2006), and stars Claire Danes as Temple Grandin.

As you may have guessed by now, Temple has managed quite well, and this wonderful movie captures her struggle for a productive life along with her mother’s (played by Julia Ormond) own desire for Temple to succeed.

Along the way, Temple is mentored by key people including her aunt played wonderfully by Catherine O’Hara and her favorite science teacher played by David Straithairn.

Danes’ performance is magnificent and watching her capture Grandin’s struggles and inevitable triumphs is exhilarating and inspiring. Seeing how other children and adults mistreat Grandin is difficult, but it adds to the overall enjoyment of watching Grandin overcome these hurdles, especially when you see those glimmers of good people helping Grandin succeed.

As it turned out, Grandin’s ability to “see in pictures” helped her to grow into the brilliant animal science expert that she is today. Specifically, through her animal-handling advances, she has helped institute in many areas more humane and cost effective methods to treat livestock.

If you have HBO, you need to watch it. Otherwise, put this on your list for must-see DVDs. It is appropriate for the entire family, and I would highly recommend it for a family movie night.

The film, which was nominated for 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, won 7, including two Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Awards.

comments (17)

I happened to see this movie and thought it was very inspiring and beautifully created. Claire Danes did an awesome job portraying this autistic character.

frida b

I have an 11 year old son who is a high functioning autistic. I am amazed daily by the children he knows from school. Ten years ago his somewhat odd behavior would have made him a target for bullying and teasing. These kids go out of their way to help him, both in class and socially. The sad fact is that most of them have friends, cousins or siblings with this problem. This movie is a wonderful glimpse into where treatment and nuturing can take these children!

Brandie Young

I actually had the opportunity to meet Ms. Grandin when I was in college. She is an amazing person and is an inspiration to all.

Pam Kilgore

Autism has affected our family. Both my grandson and nephew have been diagnosed. A lot of people now know more about autism and the struggles and challengs for parents and family members. It can be daunting. In the autistic community many already know of Temple Grandin and all she has done to shed light on this disability. In the 20 years since my nephew was first diagnosed till now much has changed and more help is available because people are much more aware,. However, tragically the number of children being diagnosed is increasing and that is scary. I would encourage everyone to find out as much as you can if you have or will have children or grandchildren and how to recognize the symtoms. It may more difficult than you think. Though I already had a nephew with the disorder when we finally received the "official" diagnosis about our own grandson we were shocked that we didn't pick up on some of the early signs. The earlier you can get a diagnosis and start treatment the better. Check "Autism Speaks" website if you want to find out more about Autism.

Jessie Homan

I have watched this movie over and over again. I find it very inspiring. I do not know anyone that is autistic but I have a daughter that has a small learning disability and she struggled through school and 5 yrs. of college to get her degree in human services. It seems that the people that have problems with learning etc, are the ones that are the best at taking care of others. Thank you Temple and thank you my daughter for being so caring.

belle

I first saw this film about a month ago after hearing Temple Grandin interviewed several times on NPR. I have to say that Claire Danes did an incredible job capturing her persona and her life story, right down to the cadence of her voice. Grandin is an incredibly inspirational figure for anyone, particularly for anyone who might know someone who shares her condition. This one is truly a must-see.

Reed Simpson

I was able to watch the movie with my youngest son. Although he is not challenged with any medical conditions fortunately, however eight years old is a hard age. One line in particular that stuck out to us and we still use it in the Morgan household is during the scene when Temple finally walks through the sliding doors with a little help from the wife of the gentleman she has been trying to meet with to redesign their cattle queue. “A door opened up and I went through it” I love the courage she displayed and you can apply that to almost any situation you face in life.

Felicia Morgan

Caught this movie when it premiered a while back... My life isn't touched with anyone who has autism, and I didn't know how much I would connect with the story, but this is one of those movies that I recommended to EVERYone. If you have a child with autism, if you don't, if you know someone who has it, or if not, you should still see this movie! It's simple story conveys a message of such good and it's just so inspiring!

Patrick L

This was a very inspiring movie about overcoming adversity. As a mother to a child with learning disabilities, it showed me that I could never do enough for my child. I had him watch it with me and he understands now that he too can go on to do bigger and better things as long as he works hard. I loved it, found it inspiring, and I am thankful that the writers and producers did their research on autism.

Lisa

I have a 14 year old daughter who was diagnosed with "Asperger's Syndrome", high functioning autism. Like Temple, she has overcome so many obstacles in her young life. Amazingly she can also see through pictures and her specialty is remembering dates. Watching the movie helped her to see that she is not alone and that the future holds endless possibilities. The movie is very educational and it is a must see.

Augusta Stamps

I have seen the Temple Grandin movie several times...just about anytime I can catch it on HBO...and I would love to get the DVD. It is an awesome, inspiring movie! It put a lot of things in perspective for me. If Temple overcame the challenges that she has had all her life, I can most certainly overcome mine. I too highly recommend this film to everyone!

Mary Ann

Throughout the movie I kept asking myself , how many people are discarded or deemed useless by society because of differences? This movie is a wonderful testament that no life is worthless and that all can contribute to society in a positive way if given a chance.

Freda Vann

It's one of the best movies I've seen in a while. Julia Ormond does a wonderful job showing the pain and the joy of being a mother!

Katherine M.

I wanted to let you know I appreciated the article you posted regarding the Temple Grandin movie. We have a 6 year old with high functioning autism and I think this is a great way to educate others of the challenges of autism. Most of these children struggle socially but have other gifts that are often overlooked. Thanks again for taking the time to post your review.

Phillip Landers

I've watched this movie several times. It's a very inspiring movie. Especially for anyone who has been affected by Autism.

Diane Smith

As an animal lover, I read one of her books and was deeply inspired by her. I can't wait to see the movie.

Traci D

I loved this movie..it was so inspiring and wonderful. It is sad to think she could have been institutionalized and the world would never know just how truly special she is. How wonderful to be so unique. She brings to light the magnificence of the human brain and how we "normal" people can't seem to tap into the wonder of it all. A must see for anyone with a child that has a "disability" particularly autisum.

Barbara