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Special People (film)
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Wikipedia article
'Special People' is a 2007 British film was directed by Justin Edgar for 104 Films. The film received widespread press coverage as a result of censorship of its disability themes.
Plot
Enlisted to teach a class of wheelchair-users about filmmaking, the neurotic Jasper gets a little more than he bargained for. His charges seem to know more than he does about his subject; they're not impressed by his own heartfelt social realist oeuvre; and they meet his every suggestion with the blank indifference peculiar to the streetwise adolescent. Questions condescending outreach projects, self-defeating attitudes within the disabled community, and the vacuity of the film business - all with a sly wink and a healthy helping of self-parody
Cast
*Jason Maza - Dave
*David Proud - Scott Swadkins
*Dominic Coleman - Jasper
*Sasha Hardway - Anias
*Robyn Frampton - Jess
*Simon Lowe - Policeman
Production
Special People, Directed by Justin Edgar for 104 Films. Filmed on location in Birmingham UK and the Malven Hills UK.
Release
Released on 21 November 2008 (UK) Special People attracted National press with the BBFC classifying the film as a 12A for "moderate sex references, language, violence and disability theme." Sparking criticism from cast and Disability groups that audiences should not have to be warned that a film has a disability theme.
Reception
On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 89% based on reviews from 9 critics. The critical consensus states "Low budget British comedy which is sharply written and nicely acted whilst confounding disability misconceptions and prejudices on the way."
On its release 'The Guardian' hailed 'Special People' as "A milestone in mainstream cinema" for its use of disabled cast. The 'Radio Times' called it " A triumph of understated, heartfelt humour" and 'the Daily Mirror' "A little gem".
References
* http://www.104films.com/special-people/
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7748854.stm
* https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/directors-anger-over-comedy-films-disability-warning-1020484.html
* https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3526522/Anger-as-film-censors-put-12A-on-film-for-containing-disabled-themes.html
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