Film Review: Adam
September 4th, 2009 | Published in Film Reviews
Adam is a drama with a couple of laughs, not a romantic comedy as some have been labeling it, about 29 year old, Adam (Hugh Dancy), a bright young man with Asperger’s Syndrome. The plot centers around Adam’s relationship with Beth (Rose Byrne), a new tenant he meets in his apartment building just after the death of his father.
As someone with Aspergers, Adam has a difficult time with social interactions, suffers from anxiety, and is a bit possessed with certain areas of study, astronomy in particular. Adam works as an electrical engineer developing electronic components for toys. His off work hours are devoted to astronomy and ‘people watching’.
Following the death of his father, Adam attaches himself to Beth, a school teacher and children’s writer. Beth is sensitive, kind and patient. She listens as Adam engages in his one-way conversations that broadcast his idiosyncrasies. Soon Beth begins to discover the wonder of Adam, and develops feelings for him. The two then begin a rather awkward but tender relationship.
The movie delves a bit into some drama involving the court trial of Beth’s father, a relatively smarmy accountant. Some have viewed this story line as a flaw, as it takes the attention/screen time away from Adam. What this story line does do is highlight the most isolating characteristic of those on the Autism spectrum, the difficulty of empathizing with others. Beth’s world is rattled by her father’s fall, but all Adam can do is focus on the moving pieces of his own life. This reality is what does the romantic side of the relationship in.
Beth’s role in Adam’s life, tragically and realistically, is one of caring social worker or therapist. She is instrumental in helping Adam develop some desperately needed life and people skills. She loved Adam certainly, but in the end it was what she taught him, and not Beth herself, that made the difference in Adam’s life.
Writer/director Max Mayer’s attention in the film to Adam’s passion for astronomy does a terrific job of sending the message that while truly deep relationships might be difficult for people on the Autism spectrum, developing and fostering healthy passions (unhealthy being obsessions) is certainly attainable.
As the father of a child with Autism, I hope my son can live a life that interests him; one where he can contribute some of his talents to society, and be around people that love and appreciate him. This is the sentiment of any parent really, whether their children, to quote Adam, are NT’s (neuro-typical) or not.
A very powerful performance by Hugh Dancy, and a memorable effort from Frankie Fasion as Harlan, a mentor/guardian/friend to Adam, gives this film some weight that will hopefully be felt by a larger audience outside of those of us already touched by Autism and Aspergers.
Below is an interview with Writer/Director Max Mayer from NPR’s Fresh Air
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111732938
