Running head: MEDIA REVIEW

Assignment 1: Movie Review

Ashleigh Jones
Paraeducation 1010
10/15/2013

Introduction

Americas media has perceived those with disabilities in many different ways. It can be
seen every day, on a constant basis. An example of this is Ed, Edd, & Eddy, on Cartoon
Network. Ed is a boy with special needs and is represented in an extremely distinct way. In this
paper, two movies will be reviewed to see how the medias perception has altered over time.
The first movie was made in 1939, and is called Of Mice and Men. This movie is very
well known, and has actually been nominated for four Oscars. This movie is about a man named
George Milton, and his partner, Lennie Small. Lennie is a larger man with limited mental
abilities, and an occasionally aggressive attitude. George maturely took responsibility of Lennie
when his aunt died, and Lennie was left with no one to take care of him.
These two companions are trying to survive during the dustbowl of the 1930s, and pursue a
dream of owning their own ranch. The book ends with Lennie accidentally killing a young
woman. George realizes that Lennie is too aggressive for his own good, and kills him in a semisweet manner. George tells Lennie to look in the distance, begins telling him a long-loved story,
and then shoots Lennie in the back of the head.
The second movie is called Lorenzos Oil and was made in 1992. It is based on a true
story. This film was nominated for two Academy Awards. It begins with a family of three. The
parents, Augusto and Michaela Odone, find that their son, Lorenzo, diagnosed with
adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This disorder is generally fatal within two years.
The Odone family persists on finding a cure. They go through multiple resources, and
find nothing. After a while their persistence pays off. The family finds that adding a certain kind
of oil to Lorenzos diet. The movie ends with 14 year old Lorenzo capable of simple tasks he was
unable to do earlier.
In Lorenzos Oil it is made clear that Lorenzo is a bright, vibrant young boy, but when
diagnosed becomes the opposite. He begins to show tantrums, loss of hearing, blackouts, etc. His
parents are unable to relate, and feel that they are barely helping. Though Lorenzo is the
victimized character, his characteristics of the disability are portrayed in an extremely realistic
way. And thats saying a lot, because his disability got to a critical and extremely vulnerable
extent.
At one point, Lorenzo is unable to really do anything. He does not have the ability to
walk or talk. And these levels of his constrictions really show how well his character is truly
developed. When he is completely healthy again you can more easily obtain a view of his
personality. Lorenzos Oil is a more modern and realistic view of those with disabilities.
In Of Mice and Men, there is a little more unrealistic view. This is due to the time period
it was made in. At that time (around the 1940s), the U.S. did not know as much information
about disabilities, as we do now. The characters in this movie are realistic, although the ending is
not. Maybe in the time period it was made it seemed realistic, but for modern time it is not even
close to realistic.

Lennie Smalls is a well-created character who loves anything soft, but gets irritated and
aggressive at the slightest things. It is never stated exactly what Lennie has, we just know he has
some mental limits. He is able to complete most daily tasks, but just requires supervision from
George.
In social situations, Lennie is generally excluded and/or made fun of. This is common
portrayal for that time period. Lennie rarely stops them from talking about him. He feels no need
to advocate himself, especially when George will do it for him, hes like the older brother.
Considering George is the only friend Lennie has it is hard for anyone to relate to Lennie.
George is too busy living his own life and caring for Lennie to even try to sympathize with him.
Lennie is definitely the victim all the way through Of Mice and Men.

Conclusion

Taking both movies into consideration, they would be great recommendations for anyone.
Of Mice and Men can really give a person insight about how it was for people with disabilities
not too long ago. This movie can really change many points of views, and it is very entertaining.
It is a well-known piece of American literature and film.
The director of this movie, Lewis Milestone, never knew the movie would be such an
astonishing success. It gave a morbid yet inspiring view to the publics eye. Although, he never
thought about the violent message it could be sending.
Obviously, it depends on a viewers perspective, but what if a few took Milestones
message as, Lets kill the people with disabilities? Though a few people could have taken it
that way, many viewers got the realistic message of the film. And Americas society has made it
this far. More than 50 years later, and this country has made multiple advances in the world of
disabilities.
Lorenzos Oil is a very inspiring movie. It sends a message telling people to shoot for
what they want. And that is definitely a great message to send to the public, especially when it
comes to disabilities. Lorenzos family is told that he would die within 2 years, but he did not.
Because he searched and eventually found something that would help him abundantly.
This movie has opened many peoples eyes. It gives new perspectives on how to reach goals and
become happier. And its definitely a good watch. It keeps the viewer entertained, while
informing them about a true incredible story.
So in conclusion, Of Mice and Men and Lorenzos Oil are both great movies. They have
contributed a great amount to societys perspective, and they give past plus more current
perspectives on the world of disabilities. One can learn a lot from watching either of these
movies.

RESOURCES:
Lewis M. & Lewis M. (1939) Of Mice and Men.
United States: Universal Pictures.

Doug M. & George M. (1992) Lorenzos Oil.

United States: United Artists.