Between "The Eighth Day" and "The Peanut Butter Falcon" - (r)evolution in constructing a film image of a person with Down syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Thanks to education through film, social changes take place, viewers imitate the patterns and attitudes presented on the screen. it is so important to properly portray people with disabilities in the media, because the media image is often their only representation in the consciousness of the average viewer. The study compared two films telling analogous stories of young men with Down syndrome.

Research Aim: The aim of the presented research was to answer the question of how the image of the film hero - an adult man with Down syndrome - has changed over the 25 years between the creation of both analyzed films. Are these changes adequate to current trends and changes that have occurred in social life?  

Research Method: Elements of the media content analysis method were used to describe, classify and interpret selected films.

Results: Diametric differences were observed in the way the character of a film hero is constructed - the changes concern both the model of disability in which his character is embedded and the presence of classic, disabling images of disability in the analyzed productions.

Conclusions: The world of media takes into account the research results and proposals on how to present disabilities in the media reported by the community of people with disabilities, educators and media researchers. Future filmmakers need to be constantly and systematically educated about the influence of the media on social attitudes and the awareness of art recipients.