Our Idiot Brother

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This isn't a movie review. I watched this movie last night and thought it was funny but a couple of things bothered me. Just based on Ned's complete inability to read between the lines and understand social norms I'd say he has AS (the near meltdown he has in the movie is a pretty good clue too). This is a character I can relate to. What bothered me was that he's referred to as an idiot and ret*d by his movie family members. What bothered me even more is that putting down someone who obviously can't help the way he is can be seen as comedy by movie goers. To me it was funny because I can relate but I'm sure that to most people it's more like 'it's funny because I'm better than Ned'. If you've seen this movie what do you think about it? If you haven't here is the trailer to give you some idea.





[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_NNECDWqdU[/youtube]

I haven't seen, but I think I might now. It does seem as though (atleast from the trailer) that he does have AS. So, the movie title, and the family members referring to him as an "idiot" is bothersome. Perhaps this will give a smidge of insight as to why some NTs treat AS's as if we are stupid...

The Dinner Game

Every wednesday night a few guys have a meal together. There is a game coupled with the meal: each one of them has to bring an "idiot". The game consists in making the idiots talk about there ideas and passions so that the hosts can have a good laugh. At the end they will choose the "idiot of the evening".

The passions the idiots talk about are very Asperger like topics. BTW its a good commedy:)

"Dinner For Schmucks" is pretty much the same kind of film. They're comedies if the people involved are idiots and schmucks. They're serious fare if the people involved are mentioned as being autistic, mentally ret*d, or Asperger's.

I had this film (Our Idiot Brother) recommended to me as a good film, powerfully sympathetic to the AS guy. I've not seen it yet but intend to.
People are often treated as idiots for being kind or optimistic, having a loving heart...apparently it's seen as subtracting from IQ.
Not a very clever assumption.

The Dinner Game(Fr)/Dinner for Schmucks(US) is actually a great expose of the stupid & shallow of the world(yay).

It was made by the people who made Little Miss Sunshine.

You shouldn't take it seriously at all.

I do find it amusing but because he is in fact quite over-the-top for an adult; at least of the autistic adults I've met in person.

I saw the movie a while ago. He comes across as socially naive, and that by itself didn't make me think he is AS. There are plenty of socially naive NTs.

I don't recall he had any other traits that seemed very ASD to me. I do recall he came across as someone who was naturally adept at emotional reciprocation, emotional expression and warmth. Nothing 'odd' jumped out at me, other than his social naivete.

I saw this movie. Wouldn't know about AS but definitely socially naive.
I don't think people are laughing at him even if he did have AS, I think people are laughing at the holes he digs and how NT's with their deceptive games have to live with the consequences of their dishonesty while he remains unscathed.

As to the Trailer: agree with LennytheWicked not to take it seriously. The attraction/theme for a lot of movies seems to be laughing at some one's weaknesses or differences from the norm, which can have a downer effect on me, (unless it is done in a very understanding way). I'd skip spending $ on this one. Haven't seen the whole movie so I can't comment on it.

I liked this film. The humor is more subtle compared to many recent comedy films and its depiction of family relationships are pretty realistic. I don't think he has aspergers but can see why its being suggested(not realizing Steve Coogan is cheating, saying the wrong thing to his sisters neighbor etc).

Hated the movie ("laugh at the quirky loser" comedies are my least favorite sub-genre) and I did not see any evidence or suggestion it is a movie about Asperbers/Autism.

One of my favourite comedies. As soon as I finished watching I came to see if there was a topic already started about it. This is the first one I've seen devoted just to it. Yeah it really only shows social naivety. He doesn't talk to loudly/softly. Seems to make eye contact. No stimming. But man does he get kicked around in the social world. I also like the silly humour.

"Look at us, two guys and a dog making candles"

"Yeah, what a cliché"

What an offensive title... I loved him. He is very much like me (I guess I am emotionally naive ... maybe even a bit ret*d) and it made me cry when his ex-girlfriend did not let the dog go to him. It is a very sad film.

Last edited by little_black_sheep on 08 May 2012, 3:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I suspect that the film is meant to be far more comedic than an actual weepy drama.

Can I ask the reason for your username? Just curious.

I read that it is supposed to be comical, but I find it sad. When things like the things that happen to him happen to me I feel sad and misunderstood.

Interesting that you should ask right now. I have often been called the black sheep of the family. Different than the others... I also have been called a sheep by friends for being so naive. Yeah... therefore, little black sheep.

The reason for my asking has nothing to do with this thread.