My Left Foot (My Left Foot)

Production and Year: United Kingdom, USA, Ireland, 1989 Genre: Biographical Drama Director: Jim Sheridan Screenplay: Shane Connaughton, Jim Sheridan Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Ray McAnally, Brenda Fricker Medical Topic: Disability, Cerebral Palsy Description: A two-time Oscar-winning drama that offers a powerful portrayal of human disability and its consequences. Based on true events, the film tells the story of Irish painter and artist Christy Brown, who suffers from cerebral palsy. Christy has been paralyzed since birth. The brain damage causing his condition has resulted in almost complete paralysis. The protagonist can move only his left foot, and it is evident that his facial expressions, voice, and overall functioning are affected by his condition. His disability is coupled with loneliness and alienation, which he feels constantly, even when he is among people. However, despite his disability, Brown tries to live—he wants to participate in family life, falls in love, experiences inner conflicts, and, most importantly, discovers his talent and wants to develop it. Using only his left foot, he paints incredible paintings that soon find their way into prestigious exhibitions. "My Left Foot" is a wonderful study of illness and disability, well worth seeing to better empathize with the sick, especially for those who may soon encounter similar cases in their professional lives.