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Asperger's Are Us

Asperger's Are Us

2016

Director

Alexandre Lehmann

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

For the members of the comedy troupe Asperger’s Are Us, it’s easier to associate with a faceless audience than with their own families. No matter who the crowd, best friends Noah, New Michael, Jack and Ethan have one simple mantra: “We would much rather the audience appreciate us as comedians than people who have overcome adversity.” In this coming-of-age heartfelt documentary, this band of brothers finds themselves at a crossroad. With real life pulling them apart, they decide to plan one ambitious farewell show before they all go their separate ways. People with Asperger’s don’t deal well with uncertainty, and this is the most uncertain time in their lives.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

6.4/10

Good


Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The film does not explicitly center LGBTQ+ narratives or romantic pairings. The narrative architecture is primarily occupied by neurodivergent identity rather than sexual orientation.

Gender Representation

Fair

The story emphasizes male camaraderie within a 'band of brothers.' It avoids traditional tropes of masculine dominance by focusing on vulnerability, social anxiety, and emotional honesty.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

As a contemporary French production, the film lacks evidence of a multi-ethnic cast. Representation remains centered on the specific social and neurodivergent demographic of the participants.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

The film prioritizes the social model of disability, challenging pity-based narratives. It critiques systemic structures that demand conformity by focusing on the friction between neurodivergent and neurotypical societies.

Disability Representation

Excellent

This is the film's strongest element, centering the agency of individuals with Asperger’s. The subjects are depicted as active comedians rather than passive recipients of care or 'inspiration porn.'

Strengths

  • Exceptional portrayal of neurodivergent agency and professional identity.
  • Disrupts 'inspiration porn' tropes by focusing on talent over tragedy.
  • Uses an observational, intimate approach to storytelling.

Areas for Improvement

  • Lacks significant intersectional representation regarding race and ethnicity.
  • Does not explicitly engage with LGBTQ+ or non-heteronormative narratives.
  • Focuses heavily on a specific, homogenous male social group.

AI Analysis

Asperger's Are Us succeeds by subverting the typical 'overcoming adversity' trope often found in disability media. By focusing on the protagonists' desire for professional respect as comedians, the film grants them agency and dignity. It moves away from clinical observations toward an intimate, identity-first perspective. However, the film's impact is somewhat limited by its narrow demographic focus. While it excels in neurodivergent representation, it lacks significant engagement with intersectional identities such as race, ethnicity, or LGBTQ+ narratives. The social circle remains relatively homogenous. Ultimately, the documentary provides a sophisticated look at neurodivergent life. It challenges the viewer to see these individuals through their talents and humor rather than their perceived deficits, making it a vital piece of identity-driven storytelling.

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