Now that another Oscar program is in the can, those of us who advocate for people with disabilities have made note of the fact that yet another Academy-acknowledged film featured a character with a disability. I did some quick research, and below is a short list of some recent Oscar winners that either featured a character with a disability, or in some way dealt with issues pertaining to having a disability.
The King’s Speech 2010
A Beautiful Mind 2001
One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest 1975
Rain Man 1988
Scent of a Woman 1992
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 1962
Born on the Fourth of July 1989
Charly 1968
Children of a Lesser God 1986
Coming Home 1978
Forrest Gump 1994
This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but I was culling through a list of only Oscar winners. Also, I skipped over movies about addiction, such as "Leaving Las Vegas," or movies pertaining to disfigurement, like "Mask," "Phantom of the Opera," or "The Elephant Man," arguably appropriate for the disability column. I also passed on the murderous madmen and psycho killer movies. One could easily score a point if one cares to make an argument that these, too, count as disabilities.
What are your favorite movies featuring issues or characters with a disability? Why do you like that choice in particular? Do you feel the portrayal was a realistic one? Do you feel that the movie reflects your personal reality, or that of someone you know? Does the movie confirm or dispel stereotypes? Which movies have you found to be the most objectionable when depicting a person with a disability? Comment below and share your views.
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