Plot: This is a biopic film on Temple Grandin (played by Claire Danes), an autistic woman who has become one of the top scientists in humane livestock handling industry. In the film, we see Temple's summers on her aunt's ranch, how she came to invent the "squeeze machine" (a machine used for people with hypersensitivity issues) and how she became a scientist in humane livestock handling.
Review: This is a TV film that was released on HBO. I will say that this is probably one of, if not, the best television film I've ever seen.
This is an inspiring film. You root for Temple to be able to achieve, even though she's been told she won't be able to. The film is also very fascinating in terms of somebody with autism, to see how they act, think and talk. The film does a marvelous job of avoiding the cliches that would come with this kind of story and I applaud them for that.
The film is surprisingly humorous and joyous. I like that with this kind of story that we're able to laugh and smile. But we smile not only because this film is funny, but because we root for Temple as we watch her grow and achieve and beat the odds that were set against her.
The film's use of effects for Temple's thought process is fantastic. It's great to see how she thinks in pictures and how visual her mind actually is. It's very unique and allows us to enter her brilliant mind.
The acting is stupendous. There are really four primary actors in the film. Catherine O'Hara plays Aunt Anne, Temple's aunt who owns a ranch and she is great in this, even though we don't see too much of her. David Strathairn plays Professor Carlock, Temple's boarding school science teacher. He is the one who was aware of Temple's visual skills and furthered her education. He is a great character and I also like that Professor Carlock wasn't a woman because I personally think it would've resembled too much to Helen Keller's equally inspiring story. Julia Ormond plays Temple's mother, who despite knowing her daughter's autism is determined to give her [Temple] the best life possible.
But the real star of this film is Claire Danes in her powerful, touching and incredible performance as Temple Grandin. Claire isn't afraid to go for it in this. Whether it's to change her voice into different modulations. Her portrayal of Temple's anxiety, frustration with people who belittle her and her determination to do great things despite her autism is so amazing to see unfold. Claire Danes won several awards, including a Golden Globe and Emmy, for her performance. She deserved every single award that was given to her.
Temple Grandin is an inspiring, touching, joyous heartwarming and funny film that everyone should see. One of the best television films I've ever seen.
Rating: 5/5
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