âTemple Grandinâ is the 2010 biopic about the life and accomplishments of a young woman growing up with the cloud of autism, at a time when the condition was a relative unknown in the medical community and society, and professionals were virtually clueless as to how to effectively deal with it. Temple (played by Clare Danes) encounters numerous obstacles and abuse from her classmates (and even her teachers) as they deal with her unique and often cryptic quirks.
Temple sees the world in pictures, and Director Mick Jackson does a brilliant and often comical job of showing the audience the world as seen through Templeâs eyes. An optical illusion in one of her classes drives her to near insanity until she is able to understand and create one of her own to the astonishment of her classmates.
Temple, who likens herself to âStar Trekâsâ Mr. Spock (due to their simiÂlar interest in science, and both being labeled as outcasts), doesnât like to be touched by anyone, including being hugged by her own mother. To seek her own form of comfort she creates a âsqueeze machineâ which enables her to relax and gain control of herself, much like the way the tenderness of a hug would.
Temple also has a unique relationship with doors; from her interest in opening them up to another world (as she herself says), to a terrifying fear of automatic doors so powerful it prevents her from entering a supermarket. The theme of doors runs throughÂout the film, reflecting TemÂpleâs many scholastic and inÂterpersonal accomplishments, as well as her curiosity and seemingly unaffected calm around death.
Working summers on her auntâs catÂtle ranch, Temple grows compassionate and respectful of animals, particularly horses and cows. Able to relate much better to the innocence of animals than to the abrasiveness of her fellow huÂmans, she pursues studies in animal husbandry and goes on to revolutionÂize the practice of humane handling of cattle and livestock.
âWe raise them for us…that means we owe them respect,â Temple says after witnessing the brutal way ranchÂers were treating a herd of soon-to-be-slaughtered cattle. âNature is cruel, but we donât have to be.â
Claire Danes, in the titular lead role, puts out an award-winning and highÂly praised performance. The real life Temple Grandin was deeply moved by the accuracy and likeness of the porÂtrayal. Danes will instantly become one of your favorite actresses after seeÂing her in this amazing role.
The supporting cast deserves accoÂlade as well. Julia Ormand plays TemÂpleâs well-intentioned and truly loving mother. Catherine OâHara depicts the part of her inspirational aunt. And DaÂvid Strathairn masters the part of the professor who is able to connect with her and drive her to success.
Director Mick Jackson has said Templeâs life is so unique you couldnât make up the story because no one would believe that it was real.
– by Matt Christopher
