Sia's 'Music' Movie: A Neurotypical Lens on Autism
Sia's new film 'Music' has received a lot of attention, primarily due to its complex and controversial portrayal of autism. This review aims to provide an objective analysis of the film, focusing on its representation of autism and its impact on the autistic community, while also reflecting on the personal experiences of a parent who has an autistic child.
Understanding the Controversy
A post by a concerned parent generated considerable debate. The parent, whose autistic son is portrayed in the film, voices her frustration and anger, advocating for a more accurate representation of autism. This highlights a critical aspect of the film: while Sia's intentions may be to celebrate a character's unique journey, the portrayal does not align with many autistic individuals' experiences. This article will delve deeper into the key aspects of the film and its problematic elements.
Representation and Authenticity
One of the central issues is the authenticity of the representation. The film features an autistic protagonist named Music, who is performed by an actress who is not autistic. The parent argues that Music is too far removed from the reality of many autistic individuals. This point raises questions about the authenticity of the portrayal and whether it does a disservice to the autistic community.
Parent's Viewpoint
The parent argues that having someone on the spectrum represent a character would have been more authentic and less traumatic for children like her son. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that no single person has the same diagnosis, with each individual experiencing autism differently. This highlights the complexity of representation in media and the need for more nuanced portrayals.
Autism as a Character
In 'Music', the character is not a fully realized individual but more of a side character. She neither grows nor changes significantly throughout the film, which is a point of contention. Critics argue that this representation perpetuates the idea that autistic individuals are static and unchanging, which can be harmful and misleading.
The Film's Content and Style
The film's primary focus is on showcasing Sia's music, which, while enjoyable, detracts from the narrative. The songs used in the film often felt out of place and forced to fit the context. The lyrics of many songs were inconsistent with the scenes they were presented in, leading to a disjointed viewing experience.
The costumes and dance sequences were described as ridiculous, adding to the overall strangeness of the film. The staged, overly clean portrayal of the character felt disconnected from the realities of living with autism. The portrayal of meltdowns, particularly the use of prone restraint as a calming method, was seen as problematic and inappropriate.
Neurotypical Lens
Many critics argue that the film presents a highly sanitized and overly polished view of autism, lacking the complexity and nuance required to portray the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. The portrayal of autistic individuals as either happy and calm or on the verge of a meltdown, without any in-between, further contributes to this perception.
Conclusion
While Sia's 'Music' may be well-intentioned, it falls short in its representation of autism. The film's focus on showcasing Sia's music rather than the plot results in a disservice to the autistic community. Authentic and nuanced representations are crucial for improving understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.
Recommendation
Given the controversies and issues discussed, this reviewer does not recommend 'Music' for those looking for an insightful and authentic portrayal of autism. The film, while visually appealing, lacks the depth and complexity needed to truly represent the experiences of autistic individuals.