Adam

Adam - out of 5

Written and directed by Max Mayer, who only had one movie under his belt before this (1998's Better Living), has made an emotional and different take on a "romantic comedy/drama" with Adam. Adam (Hugh Dancy in an understated should-be-nominated-for-awards performance) is a mid-thirties man living with Asperger's Syndrome, which is a form of autism. The syndrome is defined by medterms.com as:

"Asperger syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that is characterized by an inability to understand how to interact socially. Typical features of the syndrome also may include clumsy and uncoordinated motor movements, social impairment with extreme egocentricity, limited interests and unusual preoccupations, repetitive routines or rituals, speech and language peculiarities, and non-verbal communication problems."

Adam's father, who helped him with everything in life, has died at the beginning of the movie, and the rest of the movie is Adam transitioning to life on his own for the most part. He does get some help from his father's friend, Harlan (Frankie Faison), but it's more in a "just when he really needs help" way. According to the syndrome, Aspies (as I have found they call themselves) have intense interests, and Adam is obsessed with space. Sometimes these interests affect him so badly he can't communicate.

But soon after Adam's father's death, a woman moves into Adam's building, Beth (Rose Byrne), that catches his interest. Beth takes an interest in Adam as well, and an unlikely friendship that leads to romance begins. I usually don't really like Rose Byrne, but I think she did a wonderful job coming across cute, graceful, and somewhat tormented due to her father's corporate legal problems.

The writing in this movie is funny, romantic, and heartwrenching all in one, and one of the best scenes in any "romantic comedy" I have ever seen includes Adam, Beth, and an astronaut suit. I can't say anymore without spoiling the scene.

From what I've read online, this film does a great job portraying someone with Asperger's syndrome without being exploitative. Some people on message boards and such have said it wasn't a good representation, but they seem to be in the minority. This syndrome is still being examined and studied, and I find it all very interesting. As much as we don't like to admit it, we are emotional beings, and someone who lacks the mental capabality to understand their own, much less someone else's emotions, is fascinating to me, and I think Max Mayer's Adam did a fantastic job at walking that line.

As the film plays out, Adam's syndrome effects his relationship with Beth in funny, sad, peaceful, angry, struggling, and blissful moments. Adam will definitely have your emotions all over the place if you empathize at all with the characters. This isn't exactly a tear jerker, but it's not exactly a touchy-feel good movie either. Go into it expecting to feel something though (unless you have no heart at all).

Definitely worth a rental. I doubt I'll be buying this, but I could see repeat viewings of Adam in my future.