Published on 12, July, 2020
We watch our films, TV shows and read our books. Some might listen to radio plays, play video games or indulge in other forms of entertainment.
There was a thread the other day where someone mentioned Melvin Udell from As Good as it Gets may be on the spectrum.
So in this thread we discuss characters that have never been expressly named as being Autistic but more than likely are in our opinion.
I'll start. The Driver from Drive. He has a specific interest, cars and driving them. Doesn't seem keen on physical contact. Seems awkward around other people. Doesn't make friends easily but when he does he is very loyal. Lots of other hints there imo.
Cadet Sylvia Tilly from Star Trek Discovery. She has lots of traits, extroverted for sure but very direct (awkwardly though) and was introduced as someone who had lots of aversions to fabrics and materials. Has her own quarters because she was deemed to have "special needs". Was clearly bothered when someone slept in her bed even though both beds were identical. Was fast tracked because of her aptitude in specific things but is inept at others, sometimes. I was pretty disappointed when they toned it down in the second half of the series. I was enjoying watching the way the character was sort of Aspie. I found her relatable.
So has anyone else seen a character they have an idea about?
I liked Drive for the pacing, soundtrack and the way it all fitted together. If you didn't like the violence avoid Refn's Only God Forgives! I haven't seen Nightcrawler. I just have a thing about Jake Gyllenhall. I find him irritating. The same with his sister, even though Secretary was a classic. I'll give Nightcrawler a try though. You and Tom have made me interested!
Yes. I was also reminded of 'Mr Brooks'.
I have a feeling you have a great film collection! Mr. Brooks and Open Range are probably my favourite Kevin Costner films. I really liked Mr. Brooks because the psychopath was so functioning and in control of his impulses. The sad truth of the world is more often than not psychopaths are functioning. Most don't even kill. They do damage with the stroke of a pen or a rubber stamp. In the Company of Men is another film where the psychopath is in control of his and others impulses and emotions. He doesn't even murder. However the film is bone-chilling.
Great stuff. When Mercs looked like Mercs. They looked like the occupants meant business.
Reading the description of that O'Neal did the driving in that scene himself!
I think Data would like to draw on Emmanuel Kant. Lore would probably be more inclined to agree with Herbert Spencer!
Netflix has a few gems on there. You'd love the Alienist. Really dark and gothic. All of the protagonists have character flaws too. I won't say anymore but I think it would be right up your street.
Mindhunter is another good one I think you'd like. It's about the dawn of psychological profiling in the 70's and 80's in the FBI. It's David Fincher's pet project. He made Se7en, so you can kind of see where it's going to lead. Dark, stylish and beautifully shot.
I loved American Horror Story:Coven. Not as subtle as the others but what's not to like about a series with minotaur sex, zombie incest and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Amazingly insane and fast paced. Daft fun.
Greetings, to Miss 'Flo. Forrest Gump, I think, was written at a time when "Hollywood" was beginning to realise/accept "Autism", thus you are likely correct: The most famous (and declared) example of Autism back then is certainly Dustin Hoffman's character in "Rain Man". But Forrest Gump is not much specified to be Autistic, despite his acting like the StereoType. In movies and popular culture, I do not think that NTs could tell the difference. There is also one in the TV series "Quantum Leap", but this is a lot less well known.
P.S. - You know what I am going to say, lastly... (!) Your Icon is a Pokemon STARMIE! Yayyy! Yippeee! ;-)
...Greetings. As I keep seeing this Thread pop up, despite many others like it, I say something here - especially after the mentioning of Seven (-Of-Nine), and Mr. Spock and Mr. Data.
I would add ODO (DS9) as well. In the The links I try to post, there is a very good example, a conversation between Worf and Odo:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R11vEULd7QQ
...The TEXT of it can be found here: http://www.chakoteya.net/DS9/485.htm
...I agree with all of what they say, and actually do it! Stopping people from casually dropping by, and attempting to keep order in one's life. Not always allowed, but I try to do it anyway! :-)
Yes I caught a little of the Benedict on a trip to the UK a while back. I prefer him clever and gothic. Watson is a great help to him
I think maybe Forrest Gump is autistic. He shows various traits, taking things literally and misunderstanding irony and sarcasm. He can be obsessive, such as when he takes up running, and after running across America twice (and unintentionally acquiring a group of followers along the way) simply stops and says "I'm tired now, I think I'll go home." While in the army, he breaks the platoon record for reassembling a gun, and when asked by the sergeant how he did it so quickly, simply says , "You told me to."
Yes. Kevin Costner plays a serial killer. Similar kind of character.
I've not seen Mr Brooks, is it good?
That is how Laing saw him, in The Divided Self where he discusses what he saw as the schizoid condition.
Anthony Storr, in his essay on Kafka in 'Churchill's Black Dog', makes an assessment of Schizoid Personality Disorder - often misdiagnosed (or co-diagnosed) for Aspies, I think. A symptom of SPD is 'emotional coldness', whereas Kafka was meant to be a very warm and engaging person - though he didn't enjoy social occasions and (tellingly) wouldn't look at anyone he was conversing with.
R D Laing certainly had plenty to say about him ......
Kafka not mentioned yet. From what I've read about him, I wouldn't be surprised if he was on the spectrum
Joseph K in 'The Trial', and the character in 'Metamorphosis' - each give, for me, an overwhelming sense of anxiety and paranoia in interaction with other humans.
And Amy as well
Classic scene...
Ryan O'Neal destroys a Merc
He is so creepy! I thought Nightcrawler was a bit similar to Taxi Driver in that the main character is so disturbed but you're compelled to keep watching them
I really enjoyed Nightcrawler. Jake Gyllenhall plays a seriously creepy dude!
I'm going to have to re-watch Drive now, it's ages since I saw it I remember really liking the soundtrack and having to close my eyes for some of the more violent bits! I've not seen any of Refn"s other films; will make sure to avoid The Neon Demon! Have you seen Nightcrawler?