43°
From Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams, “Life, Animated” is the inspirational story of Owen Suskind, an autistic young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. The emotional coming-of-age story follows Owen as he graduates to adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence.
The subject of his father Ron Suskind’s New York Times bestseller, Owen was a thriving 3-year-old who suddenly and inexplicably went silent – and for years after remained unable to connect with other people or to convey his thoughts, feelings or desires. Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King,” Owen found useful tools to help understand complex social cues and to re-connect with the world around him.
“Life, Animated” interweaves classic Disney sequences with verite scenes from Owen’s life in order to explore how his identification and empathy for characters like Simba, Jafar and Ariel gave him a means to understand his feelings and allowed him to interpret reality. Beautiful, original animations offer rich insights into Owen’s fruitful dialogue with the Disney works as he imagines himself heroically facing adversity as a member in a tribe of sidekicks.
“Life, Animated” is 89 minutes and rated PG.
Tickets are free for Carte Blanche members, $7 for members, $9 for students and seniors and $12 for nonmembers. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Avon Theatre Film Center is at 272 Bedford St., Stamford.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
