Autism Lens Writings
Day one - Elf
This is one of my favorite holiday films as its got such a funny upfront narrative. Its also glaringly obvious Buddy has autism considering his interactions and actions even among the elves were "off". He was different no matter where he was and not just because of his humanity. The other elves that worked in the shop displayed genuine worldly and adult knowledge. It was a real workplace and they really knew social cues amongst themselves. It may have been a sweet fantasy like world but they were no different than allistic humans in many ways. So as an autistic person this film always gets me going.
Despite the shower scene and angry writer scene I think its rather wholesome and warm. And its good to see him be loved as he is by both his north pole family and new york family. Its obviously got parts that show its age in the insensitive humor or plain strange humor, but its good outside of it and a good one to start with.
Day two - The Nightmare Before Christmas
Sure you just watched it around halloween but its time to pop the vhs back in because its officially before christmas. Time to watch the masterpiece of many many strange people and appreciate the effort everyone but Tim Burton put into thos cult classic. From Henry Selick himself to every single set maker its visually a wonder. The actual things they did to make the movie work and function so beautiful is genuinely amazing. If youre as impressed with the stop motion and genuine effort in this film I'd also recommend watching the Prop Culture episode on this film right afterwards.
The absolute love and emotion put into the sets and peices and even the voices and musiv and narrative is abundant. It shows glaringly in the quality of the film. And even though I always skip the majority of the making christmas scene for sensory reasons I never get enough of it. Id be a failure to not mention Danny Elfman, one of the bigger impacts on the films atmosphere, is self diagnosed autistic. So seeing Jack through an Autistic Lens is amazing for me. I dont even have to describe the beauty of his struggles and differences and obsessions lending to the autistic experience.
Even outside of the relatable autistic nature of Jack and his struggles the script wows endlessly. Caroline Thompson did the script and even though it may not have been up to others expectations its undeniably good. She changed and tweaked many things that helped make the film and characters relatable to outsiders and under dogs. Her impact on the film simply must be noted as another reason to absolutely watch it.
The film is amazing and has an amazing message of allowing one to be different regardless of how you metaphorically percieve the film. So you have to watch it its a necessity. And then afterwards go on Spotify and give the album a listen as it has bonus songs of Danny singing Oogie Boogies song which is quite entertaining.
Day three - The Knight Before Christmas
Cheesy and ridiculous hallmark-esque christmas film on Netflix. It has Vanessa Hudgens in it and shes very stunning. The premise is very plainly an actual real knight from the past is sent to the future and she hits him with her car and they fall in love. Its quite cozy and comfy and a good film to relax to. Theres very little reason not to watch it unless you despise corniness. It has its fair share of corniness. Nonetheless it really holds up and I've not grown tired of it after all these years.
Day four - Last Holiday
After so many lighthearted films its a good time to throw a wrench in. Its still very very funny and cozy and heart warming. But its topic is really quite serious. A woman played by the beautiful Queen Latifah discovers shes dying and wants to blow all her money and have the time of her life this holiday. And she does and its amazing and funny and endlessly rewatchable. Its so good I feel like describing it too much or revealing too much would spoil it. So just watch it.
Day five - Its Christmas Charlie Brown
Yeah its got religion in a portion of it sure, but otherwise its a freaking peanuts movie okay. SNOOPYS IN IT. And its indeed one of the ones where they show Charlie Brown some kindness and thats always relieving in and of itself. Plus you know you have to see them do the peanuts dances.
Day six - Christmas With The Kranks
Its got evil Tim Allen in it but its a good one. Theyre gonna skip christmas yippee. The plots pretty strange with their insistance on christmas somehow including snubbing your community and charity. But its still entertaining and the amazing Dan Akroyd, known autistic actor, brings his magic to the film with abundance. And its pretty funny to see Tim Allen and Martin Short in a totally different christmas film together with different chemistry. Its quotable and funny and Tim Allen is framed as evil. Life imitates art. A good watch.
Day seven - Ernest Saves Christmas
A classic quirky little film. Ernest endangers and then saves christmas. Hes hilarious and I especially can barely breathe when he visits Vern. Theres some life lesson type stuff in there if youre a sassy runaway teen with sticky fingers and then santa gets a love life he deserves. You should be grateful. You wouldnt have Christmas if Ernest hadnt have saved it in 1988.
Day eight - How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Just when Ernest saved it Christmas is in trouble again. Now I can and will drone on about the Grinch for the rest of my life. There is no but to that I just will. Its got amazing humor, relatability, metaphors for being different, and possibly the best redemption arc I've personally seen. I mean.... His heart grew THREE sizes that day! This is my top christmas film as I have a special interest in it and I could ramble about fun facts or you could just go watch it yourself. I know I will. For the 105th time.