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The Brain That Changes Itself

Name: The Brain That Changes Itself
Director: Mike Sheerin
Released: 2008
Duration: 56 min

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

2008

Director

Mike Sheerin

Runtime

56 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The documentary excels in its portrayal of individuals with neurological differences, presenting them as active agents of change rather than passive subjects. By focusing on the functional mechanics of neuroplasticity, it avoids common clichés of inspiration porn. However, the film does not engage with other identity-based categories such as LGBTQ+, racial, or ethnic diversity. It also does not address gendered social hierarchies or the subversion of traditional gender roles. Ultimately, the film’s contribution to diversity is primarily biological, challenging the notion of permanent disability by framing the brain as a dynamic system, but it remains silent on broader cultural identity politics.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Brain That Changes Itself have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit references to LGBTQ+ characters or narratives, nor does it address the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Brain That Changes Itself portray gender?

Fair

The film features a woman with half a brain but does not explore gendered social hierarchies or the subversion of traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Brain That Changes Itself?

Fair

The documentary does not provide specific details about the racial or ethnic composition of its subjects, so the demographic makeup of the cast is unknown.

How does The Brain That Changes Itself represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges deterministic views of human nature by emphasizing biological adaptability and medical breakthroughs, rather than specific secularist or anti-Western agendas.

Does The Brain That Changes Itself include disability representation?

Excellent

The documentary highlights individuals with neurological differences as active participants in their own recovery, providing a significant role in driving the story to those with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Highlights individuals with disabilities as active agents of change.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the functional mechanics of neuroplasticity.
Challenges biological determinism by framing the brain as a dynamic, evolving system.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit engagement with LGBTQ+ narratives or representation.
Provides no information regarding the racial or ethnic diversity of the subjects.
Does not address gendered social hierarchies or the subversion of gender roles.

Official Synopsis

The discovery of neuroplasticity, the fact that thoughts can change the structure and function of our brains, even into old age, is one of the most important breakthroughs in our understanding of the brain in recent times. In The Brain That Changes Itself, Dr Norman Doidge explores the profound implications of the changing brain in a way that will permanently alter the way we look at human possibility and human nature. The documentary examines a blind man who sinks a basketball; a woman with half a brain who leads a normal life; learning disorders, strokes and brain traumas that are improved and cured; and chronic pain that is alleviated. The vast expanse of the brain's possibility is still unrealized.

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