'My Name Is Khan' is a big budget Bollywood film produced in 2010 whose leading character has Asperger's Syndrome.
Yes I know, I've seen the highlights of those Bollywood movies that look like cheesy low-budget, B-grade 'Grease' style movies from the 80's with Indian actors.
I must admit my main reason for watching 'My Name Is Khan' was for the aspie thing and to see if they got it right. It seemed a little over exaggerated to me, but apparently he was really playing an autistic person with HFA and not an Asperger's Syndrome sufferer as the movie claims. Overall I think he did a really good job. He has a really funny old-man, gay running style (that alone is a must see lol), quirky-neck movements and his inquisitive, aloof, confused expressions convey his unique understanding/interpretation to the viewer well.
Without spoiling it for you the movie starts from childhood with all the difficulties that brings, right through to adulthood. There is kind of a 'Forest Gump' feel to the movie, but with an aspie twist to it. The main character Khan with his ASD brings a naive, innocent, non-politically correct, honest, intelligent and funny viewpoint to the storyline, which is refreshing.
This film really surprised me with its brilliant directing and beautiful cinematography. I can see why 'My Name Is Khan' absolutely smashed all the box-office records world-wide and won many awards. The stunning lead actress Kajol reminds me of Salma Hayek, a total babe!
Kajol >
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/KajolSalma Hayek >
http://www.people.com/people/salma_hayek/0,,,00.htmlWikipedia: "While shooting for the film, Khan suffered from severe neck pain and headaches which were caused by the expressions and posture of Khan. His character in the film who has Asperger's Syndrome, has a way of jutting his neck out at a particular angle and wears an expression which has his eyebrows raised in every scene. As he would shoot for hours, he'd get severe migraines. Director Karan Johar admitted".
IMDb rating = 7.5 highest asperger's related rating I've seen.
Overall, a really good movie and I rate it a 8.5/10. An absolute must see for anyone especially on the autistic spectrum, or not. A great bit of Bollywood done Hollywood style with drama, humour, romance and escapism all rolled into one. Also touches on deep issues like racism and the persecution of minorities.
Bring lots of comfort food it's a long movie.
http://vimeo.com/48347016Got that one stored in my storage box for DVDs... started watching it one day, but never finished it beyond the first half hour or so... DID enjoy it! I should take an afternoon or evening in the weekend to give it another shot some time soon.
23 Jan 2013, 10:29 pm
