"First Person" Stairway to Heaven (2001)

User Rating:

8.0/10   

Director:

Errol Morris

TV Series:

"First Person" (2000)

Original Air Date:

26 October 2001

Genre:

Documentary | Biography

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Autistic Savant | Autism | Independent Film | Scientist | Interview

Cast

Errol Morris	...	Himself - Host
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Temple Grandin	...	Herself

Series Cast

These people are regular cast members. Were they in this episode?

Michael Stone	...	Himself
Denny Fitch	...	Himself
Josh Harris	...	Himself
Chris Langan	...	Himself
Murray Richman	...	Himself
Rick Rosner	...	Himself

Runtime:

26 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

A scientific journey through the mind of an autistic lady, who really cares for cattle

I caught this short little gem on Channel 4 last night and it left a real impression on me, it was a brilliant made interview with autistic genius Temple Grandin, she wonderfully describes the various problems she encounters in her world and the way the autistic mind works. What is most striking about the film is the way Morris is as intrigued as the viewer about his subject. Her enthusiasm and passion on the subject of the slaughterhouse, she relates her condition to the problem of creating a more humane and efficient way to kill animals, she also shares her personal outlook on life and death. The images that accompany the dialoge fit the tone of the film, at times they are uneasy and intentionally abstract. On one level you can read the film as an examination of the way in which an autistic mind can work ie genius,it has religious undertones, it could also be viewed as a 'head' film for stoners, with strange visuals reminiscent of a certain film called WAX. Either way the film is beautifully made, fascinating and confusing at the same time. The best thing about this film is that it remains with you long afterwards. Genius on both counts, thank the lord for late night fillers.