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The Brain That Changes Itself

The Brain That Changes Itself

2008

PG

Director

Mike Sheerin

Runtime

56 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

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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Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

6.1/10

Good

Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Fair

The film focuses on neurological processes rather than social identity. There is no explicit evidence of LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing heteronormativity.

Gender Representation

Fair

Representation appears functional rather than ideological. While the film features a woman with half a brain, it does not focus on gendered social hierarchies or the subversion of traditional roles.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

The documentary does not provide specific details regarding the racial or ethnic composition of its subjects. Consequently, the demographic makeup of the cast remains unverified.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Good

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

Disability Representation

Excellent

The documentary provides significant agency to individuals with neurological differences. It highlights subjects like a blind man and stroke survivors as active participants in their own recovery.

Strengths

  • Provides significant agency to individuals living with disabilities.
  • Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on the functional mechanics of neuroplasticity.
  • Challenges biological determinism by framing the brain as a dynamic, evolving system.

Areas for Improvement

  • 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.

AI Analysis

The documentary's primary strength lies in its treatment of disability. By focusing on the functional mechanics of neuroplasticity, it elevates individuals with sensory and physical limitations from passive subjects to active agents of change. This approach avoids common tropes of inspiration porn. However, the film lacks engagement with other identity-based categories. There is no visible focus on racial, ethnic, or LGBTQ+ representation, leaving these areas at a neutral baseline. The narrative is driven by scientific discovery rather than sociopolitical subversion. Ultimately, the film's contribution to diversity is biological rather than social. It disrupts the idea of permanent disability by framing the brain as a dynamic system, though it remains largely silent on broader cultural identity politics.

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