
I Am Breathing
2013

2016
Director
Alexandre Lehmann
Runtime
83 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
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.
Overall Score
Good
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
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
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
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
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
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
Areas for Improvement
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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