Temple Grandin (DVD, 2010)

I expected TEMPLE GRANDIN to be about an autistic woman who achieves success despite her autism...and learned she instead achieves success BECAUSE OF her autism! Due to the fact that her mind works differently than the average person's, Temple was able to visualize patterns and machinery that a non-autistic brain lacks the capacity to do. She was also able to perceive the world the way an animal does; again, something she could not have done had she not been autistic. I also expected this movie to be grimly serious, but it had moments of great humor as well as poignancy. Claire Danes, a beautiful actress, managed to transform herself perfectly into the gawky, dorky, somewhat-masculine Grandin. I couldn't believe my eyes! This film succeeds in getting across the message that even though someone may look different, dress oddly compared to the majority of people, and in fact have poor social skills, they could still have a brilliant mind and even become richer, more famous, and more successful in their profession than the average person. My 14-year-old son, who has Bipolar disorder, could relate to the scenes of Temple getting teased at school for behaving strangely. The most remarkable thing about Temple is that, while her mother taught her to speak and a science teacher realized Temple thought in pictures rather than words and adapted her high school instruction accordingly, Temple was entirely on her own in college and thereafter. Unlike Helen Keller, who attended college with Anne Sullivan as her constant companion and interpreter, Temple had to discover her own way to adapt to an adult world that more often than not dismissed her at first glance. This took great courage.
If you're thinking about viewing this film, you should know that it also covers Temple's career in the cattle industry, inventing machinery to make slaughterhouses more humane. If you object to killing animals for food, and/or cannot stomach [simulated] cattle deaths and one scene of [hopefully simulated] bloody bull testicles thrown on Temple's windshield, you may not like this movie.

I was very surprised and pleased to find this DVD at such an awesome price on Ebay! I have enjoyed reading many of Temple Grandin’s wonderful books over the years (also purchased from Ebay sellers) and when I saw that this movie about her life had won so many Emmy’s, I really wanted to find it so that I could watch it. I rented the DVD to watch, and KNEW that I had to have a copy of it of my own so that I could rewatch it as often as I wanted, and be able to share it with friends and family.

I think that EVERYONE should see this movie. Clair Dane did a totally awesome job portraying Temple, an autistic girl, now older woman, who has overcome so many of the obstacles that her autism has placed in her path. She has been able to capitalize on some of the autistic “differences” within her to become a top expert in her fields of study. Her story gives hope to many parents who have autistic children, and feel hopeless and helpless in the face of this disorder. It also helps foster understanding for others that haven’t experienced direct contact with people that are affected by this problem.

I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the movie, and I am seriously thinking about buying several more to mail to friends and relatives that live across the country from me. I HIGHLY recommend this movie to EVERYONE and I know you can get GREAT deals on it through Ebay.

This movie is about a real woman named Temple Grandin who is an inventor, activist, and who happens to be autistic. HBO did a very good job of presenting her as a person first, showcasing her accomplishments and how her brilliant mind works. She has won awards, is a professor, and has been published in many cattle related publications.

This movie is uplifting, in that it shows that just because someone is different, it doesn't mean they are strange. Temple was able to overcome barriers that didn't even have a name back in the '60's and '70's. Anyone who has a family member with autism should see this movie. I know that not everyone's life is going to be like Temple's, but it does show that a single diagnosis isn't the end of the world, or reason to give up your hopes and dreams for your child.

I purchased this movie through eBay because I found it for a very good price. My daughters were very excited that I was able to find it and we watched it the same night it was received. I know we will be watching it many more times in the future. I highly recommend this movie for anyone.

Outstanding and inspirational story for the whole family. The movie does wonders to open the minds of others to the "different perspectives" that autistic people have of the world. Every day sights and sounds that we often ignore are major stressors for those with sensory processing disorders, and that fact that many autistic people go on to achieve greatness (like Ms. Grandin) is truly remarkable. The story highlights her acceptance of her autism as something positive, which allows her to contribute greatly to the cattle industry.

Even if you are not exposed to autism on a routine basis, this movie is a wonderful and touching view into the heart of another human being, and is certainly worth the two hour investment of your time.

Autism or Asperger Syndrome, as it is called by many, can be confusing and this movie is a good introduction for those who are unfamiliar with it. The writing and directing are impressive and the actors are superbly cast. Claire Danes does a wonderful job of helping the audience get to know Temple Grandin; a very successful scientist, animal behaviorist and advocate for autistic individuals. Julia Ormond and David Strathairn also do an incredible job in this film.
This is a wonderful movie for families, and a great resource for educators and employers. It may also be helpful for students who share classes with people on the Autism spectrum and for co-workers. Although Autism impacts everyone differently, this movie gives some excellent observations on the thought processes and problems of autistic people. The commentary includes Temple Grandin, herself, with even more insights and remarks about her life that are, at times, very entertaining.
All in all, this movie is a fun and informative 1 1/2 hours.