“Temple Grandin” 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 Temple’s 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 “Star Trek’s” Mr. Spock (due to their similar interest in science, and both being labeled as outcasts), doesn’t like to be touched by anyone, including being hugged by her own mother. To seek her own form of comfort she creates a “squeeze machine” 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 throughout the film, reflecting Temple’s many scholastic and interpersonal accomplishments, as well as her curiosity and seemingly unaffected calm around death.
Working summers on her aunt’s cattle 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 humans, she pursues studies in animal husbandry and goes on to revolutionize the practice of humane handling of cattle and livestock.
“We raise them for us…that means we owe them respect,” Temple says after witnessing the brutal way ranchers were treating a herd of soon-to-be-slaughtered cattle. “Nature is cruel, but we don’t have to be.”
Claire Danes, in the titular lead role, puts out an award-winning and highly praised performance. The real life Temple Grandin was deeply moved by the accuracy and likeness of the portrayal. Danes will instantly become one of your favorite actresses after seeing her in this amazing role.
The supporting cast deserves accolade as well. Julia Ormand plays Temple’s well-intentioned and truly loving mother. Catherine O’Hara depicts the part of her inspirational aunt. And David Strathairn masters the part of the professor who is able to connect with her and drive her to success.
Director Mick Jackson has said Temple’s life is so unique you couldn’t make up the story because no one would believe that it was real.
– by Matt Christopher
