Keep the Change

Set in contemporary NYC, a love story anyone can relate to. Much of the scenes take place at the social skills group where Sarah & David meet. Main characters and secondary ones are presented realistically as folks with challenges and joys, trying to their way in the world. Characters have rough moments & sweet & funny ones too. The symptoms of autism are secondary, the work of being in relationships with others is well told.

Other than the loose cinematography, clearly cut-in shots of people saying their lines outside the natural stream of the conversation, and two moments of why didn't they reshoot the scene, this is an interesting and funny rom-com that's a bit of a farcry from what I'm used to.

There were multiple moments in Keep the Change when the audience collectively laughed. There were a few moments when I felt the urge to cover my mouth and silently release my own laughter as to avoid drawing glares from the audience. Yep, it's got some dark jokes. Damn good ones at that.

I may have a problem with the cinematography, but the cameramen really focused on the right things at the right moment. It's the shots that really let me feel like the love interest had autism. Nevermind how she conversed. It was the way she touched. Y'all know what scene I'm talkin' about.

About the ending... it was a happy ending with such a degree of contextual sadness that I felt conflicted as the credits rolled.

I have seen many movies and know which ones have real substance. I just want to say that this is a very inspiring movie about the persistence of love minus the social biases that we normally attach to what is socially good or bad, clever or stupid, funny or demeaning. All our judgements are based on false paradigms. This movie cuts to the chase. Well done. Also brilliant acting.

Greetings again from the darkness. More attention is being paid these days to those on the spectrum, and it's fascinating to see how the entertainment world deals with these folks. Writer/director Rachel Israel has developed her short story into her first feature length film with an unusually naturalistic approach by having numerous non-actors on the spectrum play key characters. Rather than observing from the outside, we are privileged to join in with how they handle life's daily challenges.

Brandon Polansky is David, a self-proclaimed filmmaker who lives with his very wealthy parents (Jessica Walter, Tibor Feldman). We first meet David as he's being dropped off at some type of support group meeting. His attendance is court-ordered as an alternative to jail after he was arrested for telling a pig joke to a cop. It's pretty clear to us that David doesn't subscribe to traditionally accepted social behavior, though he aims to be a cool guy while hiding behind sunglasses that mask his insecurities. He thrives on telling jokes, although he is unable to discern what is appropriate and what isn't, learning the hard way that rape jokes aren't proper for a first date.

The support group meetings leave us trying to figure out exactly how these folks got here ... and why. Autism and other forms of personality disorders are part of each of the members, and yet we quickly come to understand the various traits of each person. Some are shy, while others are outgoing - and each is a distinct individual. David is initially annoyed by the enthusiasm and positivity offered by Sarah (Samantha Elisofon), but the two quickly form a relationship that is probably good for both of them, though quite different than what we usually see in a Romantic Comedy.

Ms. Israel films all around NYC, and some of the street scenes are terrific with a realism we don't often see. These are outsiders and outcasts, and we soon come to appreciate the ebbs and flows of their community. The quirks that we all have are at a heightened level here. These may include sand on our feet, or the trauma of a merry-go-round. Social anxiety abounds, and David even admits to his parents that one of the reasons he likes Sarah is that they are both "weird".

There is a blend of sweetness, sadness, and cruelty throughout and Mr. Polansky and Ms. Elisofon are a pleasure to watch. That is the life these folks live. They may be able to tell a funny Bernie Madoff joke, while not understanding that their "perfect pitch" is anything but. We do get to hear David's joke, and he prefaces it with "I got in trouble for this one". Understanding leads to acceptance, and though Ms. Israel's film tells us "sometimes change happens for the worse", it also shows us a bit of empathy goes a long way.

This is a special movie that warmed my heart. It also shows the challenges faced by people with special needs and disabilities. I am hoping for a sequel.