As a teacher of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I am often frustrated and angry at the portrayal of people with disabilities. They are either the comic relief or they are treated as though there is something fundamentally wrong with them. I Am Sam was the first movie that focused on what a person with a severe disability could do rather than couldn't. I thought the acting, especially by Sean Penn and Dakota Fanning was superb. The writing was amazing, and really captured the essense of people dealing with Autistic tendencies. I was especially moved by the scene toward the end between Laura Dern and Sean Penn. I left the theater feeling emotionally exhausted, but pleased. If there was one thing lacking in the film, it was the lack of explanation of Diane Wiest's character's situation. I wish they had gone into a bit more detail of her issues. Overall a fabulous film, incredible acting, fantastic writing, and a credit to people with disabilities everywhere. I'm crossing my fingers for an Academy Award for Sean Penn.
Review of I Am Sam
