Crazy in Love

This film is about a young man and a young woman, who have Asperger's Syndrome, falling in love with each other.

This film is very impressive. Josh Hartnett portrays the main character, Donald, who has poor social skills and social relatedness. His lack of eye contact, shyness, inability to comprehend facial expressions and body language are all portrayed well in the movie. It shows that Josh Hartnett can seriously act. The film is bright, warm and sweet. As for the visuals, there is always abundant colours in the film, and adequate lighting is ensured throughout the movie. I really like this point because it adds a positive feel to the film. I am glad to have watched this film, and even more glad that it can help to raise awareness of Asperger's syndrome.

We waited in anticipation for the release of Mozart and the Whale for 2 years. We kept writing the company and asking when it would be released. We met Jerry Newport at ASA 2 years ago (my son, Josh, aged 11 has Asperger's Syndrome) and wanted so much to see the story of him and Mary. As an aside, I wish you could have heard the conversation between Jerry and Michael John Carley on the various Beethoven movements...it was the most amazing impromptu music theory talk I have ever heard.

At any rate, Mozart and the Whale was in limited release and so we waited for the DVD to be out. Finally it is!! And we watched it last night. We were not disappointed. It was wonderful. There was so much truth in it. We saw the range of autism in the group that Donald formed. Then there was the quirkiness of the various people. But it showed the love and caring that can form among any person, no matter what the diagnosis. We loved Izzy's laugh...that HA! We know kids with Asperger's who can't modulate their sounds and sound way loud in their approach to life.

I also loved the sequences about his living style. This is so much like my son....the stacks of stuff...the collections....the freaking out when his stuff is moved around....this is all real folks. And it is portrayed with a sensitivity and humor that can't help but to make you smile and/or laugh....not at Donald and Izzy, but with the cherishing of the moments that parents feel when they experience the familiarity of the moments.

But to me, the big question was what would Josh (my son) think of how Asperger's was depicted. Now, remember, he met Jerry and really thinks he is COOL. Josh said "see mom, that means that I can meet someone and get married too, so don't worry anymore". This movie gives me hope that a life of independence and companionship is possible for Josh.

Yes, we adore Jerry Newport. He knows a lot...he shares some of it with us in this film. Do yourself a favor...get this DVD and let's hope that Sundance will show the world that Mozart and the Whale is a film that needs to be shown.

If you like Rainman or Benny and Joon you will enjoy this film. It is sentimental, moving and has all the usual gushy stuff a love story should have. Nevertheless I enjoyed it. I thought the adaptation of Autism especially Asperger's syndrome was very well done. If you don't expect too much and just sit back and look forward to some light entertainment then you will not be disappointed. As someone who works with adults with autism I am disappointed this has not been released everywhere as it depicts autism in a very different light. I would recommend that everyone at least gives it a go. Probably best described as a "chick flick" and the fact that Josh Hartnell plays the lead probably helps.

The story of the film is very strong and it could have been far better if the delicacy of the relationship and the hurdles it finds when both the companions are crazy were depicted more clearly. I was expecting more. Although I was disappointed that it didn't do proper justice but never regretted to watch the film. I think I'll like to watch it again some time. Kudos to the efforts of Josh and Radha although Josh impressed me more. While Donald's disability was more pronounced in the screen little was shown about the problem with Izzy. The subject is very daring and needs full justice. The movie does open our thoughts towards the Aspergers and thats the biggest accomplishment for it. Such social films are more encouraged. Initially I was wondering about the title selection but in the middle of the movie, I found it perfect. It couldn't have been better. Its Halloween that the real of oneself comes out and aptly, they are the whale and the Mozart.

This is the only film about Aspergers and I value it. It is GREAT to see star-power giving awareness.

Having Aspergers myself, I could do what most people ('nero-typicals') couldn't- understand and associate with the characters. Though at the same time there were differences... because everyone with Aspergers is different.

So I found myself going, "Hey thats me!" Or, "Hey thats not me!" throughout. It varies from one thing to the other- it can be right on the money or the polar opposite. It was fun/nice to recognize all the small/not so small things-in-common. As for the differences, they were irritable!

When I first heard of this movie a while ago, I didn't understand why it was called "Mozart And The Whale". But now I do, and you will too. It is beautiful and has multiple meanings.

Only thing is it may portray people with Aspergers as being out of control nuts or retards, which is not the way they really are. So they may be overexaggerating and misconcepting just a little there.

All in all, curious and informative. Its guaranteed to please and inspire any Aspie who watches it. May bring them together too. HOORAY!