Adam (2009)

Adam (2009)

Now that we are firmly into November, I will presumably up the rotation of non-horror films. I am still open to recommendations if anyone out there in cyberspace actually reads this blog, but in the meantime you will get the random shows that pique my interest on the movie channels I get. Films I have never seen before and for good or for bad, for your reading enjoyment and to serve as a guide to know which films deserve to stand the test of time or be destined for the scrap heap.

Today's film was a film that easily could have been exploitative and insulting. Many films that deal with the topic of mental illnesses and such, run the risk of being so overly dramatic so as to be insulting or ham-fisted. Others are so far removed from our world that they exist solely in the realm of Hollywood and earn Academy Awards.

This film deals with Asperger's Syndrome, which, and forgive me for being blunt, feels like such a convenient disorder these days. Almost a flavour of the week condition, where hypochondriacs everywhere suddenly felt that they must have Asperger's Syndrome merely because they were socially awkward. Disorders are not something you should aspire to, folks, just to be different. I am not saying that it isn't a real and valid disorder, just that it seems awfully convenient in how quickly it is brought up as a plot device, or explanation.

But I digress, the protagonist of this film is titular character, and we meet him at his father's funeral. Immediately, we are thrust into his world and accept it. We are, in the span of minutes, able to understand his routine and in turn we can anticipate the disruptions easily, while simultaneously being surprised at what he is able to deal with rationally.

Enter Beth, a woman who moves into the same building as Adam and finds him... intriguing. So begins what starts as a gradual, hesitant friendship blossom into something more, reiterating that the misconceptions about are not in fact a reality. The film, much like (500) Days of Summer, shows us stages of what would would be a normal relationship with the sole exception of an added obstacle that both parties in the relationship try to work around.

If anything, this film shows that Asperger's could be synonymous with any other issue. It could be alcoholism, it could be a handicap of some sort, it could be PTSD or who knows what. And really it isn't important. Well it is in terms of providing enlightening information about the condition, and how to live with it and understand it. The truth is that it is just as important that at the heart of a story we get to know two people in a relationship and they work at it like any other couple. We end up caring for both these people respectively and appreciate them.

It is a refreshing tale. It has its ups and downs and it isn't listed as a romantic-comedy for a reason. Is it flawless? No course not. But it is a decent story that was as far away from a horror movie as one could get.

The good: New information on Asperger's, a nice story about love and life, and real honest portrayals of people as opposed to caricatures that we are so used to.

The bad: Some bad pacing issues. As for Asperger's I have no idea how accurate the movie is or isn't. Welcome feedback in that area.

Final thoughts: Definitely go watch it. Those of you interested in dramas, or those of you who can appreciate a decent story. Don't watch it as the definitive Asperger's information guide, or if you are a socially awkward hypochondriac looking to find something to emulate.

Add to the vault? I am still mulling it over. I did really like the story and for a couple of relatively unknown actors I feel I want to support the cause and show that the film is appreciated, but at the same time I am okay not watching it for awhile too. We'll see. I'm also partial to the fact it has such an awesome title.