About this Short Film
Mr. Savant, by Ricky Townsend (New Zealand, 2020), is a short film that examines autism and cognitive processing disability through questions of perception and prejudice. It looks at how misconceptions, stereotypes and stigma shape the ways groups and young adults view one another, and it also touches on the charged topic of vaccination and public opinion. The film does not promise easy answers, but asks audiences to listen, look again and consider different viewpoints. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, Mr. Savant complements a programme dedicated to the abilities, experiences and achievements of people with disability.
Film Details
Film Transcript
So you think they should give all our male icons a sex change? If we did the opposite you'd accuse us of being sexist and part of the problem.
Can he be any more obnoxious? He's just Stanley. He's like— I think he's [ __ ].
It's George. I knew him from school. He's always like that. Here, we stayed in art class during recess; he never talked to anyone. He'd go on a tangent if you touched the stationery without asking. I think he's, like, "I'm Asperger's"—autism, some on the spectrum. It doesn't matter; I've said too much.
I think you'll find it's called bad parenting. I'm sorry, I can't tell you how many times I've seen parents treat their kids like they're special even though they're complete brats. Look, in 99% of cases it's a special snowflake who hasn't been told to "cut it out." I mean, everyone's so fixated on participation medals and sensitivity training—there's no discipline. I mean, you can't call a spade a spade anymore. But at the end of the day, a person acting like a [ __ ] is a person acting like a [ __ ]. A brat is a brat; a snowflake is a snowflake every time. — Laurie
George, just imagine all those parents out there dealing with your autistic children day and night. The last thing I'd want for my child is to suffer an illness like that.
Maybe we should change the subject. Go obsess with Minecraft or something.
No, George. Autistic people are victims of medical malpractice.
What does that mean?
It means there's a strong connection between autism and vaccinations. The pharmaceutical companies commission them. Anyway, despite the disapproval of medical experts—
Pretty sure the whole vaccine-and-autism thing is from, like, one really bad study.
Look, darling, you're young and inexperienced. You'll understand these things when you're older. If you do your research you'll find that there are many medical experts who agree that there's a strong link between autism and vaccinations. It's a fact. It's [ __ ].
How can there be a link between autism and vaccines? Autism is one big money racket.
Can we please just stop talking?
Dr Kemble will see you now.
Mom, can I get vaccinated?
Filmmaker
Ricky Townsend is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Ricky Townsend.
