A Warren McCrickard Special Review: Adam

To celebrate the great man Warren McCrickard, I decided to review his favorite film of 2009. Initially, I didn't care to see this. Who wants another film about a mentally challenged guy? But this film was different, and perhaps the best film about somebody with mental problems. Thanks for recommending it, Warren, Betsy and I really enjoyed it and I admire the film for what it's done and for the insight it's brought to the world about people with Asperger Syndrome. I love you, Warren.

Adam - Another film about a mentally challenged guy? How much more can we learn about people with mental disorders? With the uniqueness and the stellar performances and writing of this film it leads me to believe there still is a lot. The film follows a guy named Adam, who has Asperger Syndrome, which is like a "high functioning autism," and who is now struggling on his own after his father died. His major trouble is that he has major social interaction problems and an inability to empathize.
The high functioning part is probably why the film was enjoyable and Adam a watchable guy, who is relatable. Forrest Gump is a character that's right on the borderline between relatable and too dumb to stand behind. The problem with Forrest Gump as the hero you're watching is that first off, he's too darn nice even from the beginning, and second, he never really grows or learns, the film's plot has him bumbling along without skill or wit, only good nature and luck govern his life. With Adam, it's entirely different. The fact that he can overcome obstacles, learn and grow make you route for him.
The plot revolves around his relationship with Beth a girl that just moved into his building. She's just been burned by her ex-boyfriend and the relationship with her father she's so close becomes strained when he's on trial and other lies come to surface. So we have here a guy who can't empathize, has trouble knowing what other people are feeling/thinking, has problems socializing and is generally totally awkward. And a girl who has major trust issues, is kind of awkward herself, and just wants to be loved. A total match! Except the one thing she really wants and needs, he can never give her no matter how hard he tries. It's really sad, because he tries really, really hard.
The film is really symbolic of our modern day awkwardness. It's become harder and harder to interact with each other in a world where most of our interactions are electronically. Is it hard for us to love these days? Sometimes it feels like it, because we live in an untrustworthy world. My one criticism of the film is the ambigous ending. What actually ends up happening is fine and makes sense, but I didn't think the last 10 minutes were handled as well as they could have been. I don't want to spoil the ending, because I think everyone should see this, and I also don't have much feedback as to how to make it more understandable. It is basically understandable, but yet unfulfilling. Nevertheless, the film was supurb, and my pick for Best Movie about a Guy with Mental Problems.