I write about a lot of TV shows I love on this site, some I don’t love as much, but I don’t think I have ever titled a post “Must See.” When I received the press kit for Temple Grandin, I only knew that it was an HBO Film based on a book that an autistic woman wrote. However, it turned out to be one of the most awe-inspiring, inspirational stories I have ever seen, and it was done in such a respectful, truly wonderful way.
Temple Grandin, played by Claire Danes, was diagnosed with autism at age 4 (in the late 1950s). Back then, the doctors had a limited understanding of what autism was, and suggested that Temple be institutionalized. Not one to back down, Temple’s mother (played by the super talented Julia Ormond), decided to work with her daughter on speech therapy (she hadn’t spoken a word yet) and expression. When she was old enough, her mom enrolled her in boarding school, where she bonded immensely with a science teacher Dr. Carlock (played by David Strathairn). Temple had a photographic memory, and her autism allowed her to think very differently than any other student. She could form math and science equations in her head, and she was a visual learner who drew pictures to help her master subjects. She wasn’t good at french or algebra because they involved the intangible, but she excelled at science. One summer in high school, she visited her aunt’s ranch (Catherine O’Hara rounds out this amazing cast as the aunt), and observed and formed bonds with the cattle. It is there where she first became passionate about animals (especially cows). She witnessed a machine where the cows would go in and get “squeezed” which would calm them down before going to get slaughtered. She was having an episode one day and got in the squeeze machine which made her feel immensely better. Temple’s autism made it so she didn’t like to get touched by people, but a squeeze machine almost took the place of a mother’s hug or touch.
While on the farm, Temple was very adamant on not going to college, but her mom insisted that she do so. She even almost got kicked out over the squeeze machine (I don’t want to spoil too much), but her 2nd roommate was blind and incredibly compassionate and understanding. Temple even held her arm and guided her — a big step for someone who doesn’t like to get touched. After college, Temple went onto extraordinary things: she got her masters, her doctorate, and became a face and voice for autistic people everywhere. Not only that, but she also revolutionized the way cattle are treated, and came up with a more humane way to treat them before they are slaughtered. In the movie, she expressed that we owe cows that respect.
Claire Danes is absolutely incredible in this role. In a Q&A with the actual Temple Grandin, she said she met with Claire Danes a bunch of times, and the way Danes plays her is so accurate. The story is so powerful, and the acting is just phenomenal. Temple Grandin is an inspiration to everyone. The message is clear: with perserverance, you can do anything. Limitations don’t have to be limitations, they can empower you to do whatever it is you want to do. I have never seen Claire Danes act like this and I can tell you right now I think she will win an Emmy for this performance, the movie was that good.
The original airing was Saturday at 8 pm, but there are a lot of encore presentations you can catch if you were unable to see it on Saturday.
Watch Temple Grandin on HBO on these dates/times:
- 2/10: 11:30 AM and 8 PM
- 2/14: 10:30 AM and 12:30 AM
- 2/18: 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM
- 2/20: 2 PM
- 2/22: 3 PM and 10:30 PM
- 2/27: 12 PM
With that many showings, there is no excuse to miss this HBO film. It is truly a must see.
