Enchanted Hearts (Mozart and the Whale)

Production and year: USA, 2005 Genre: drama, comedy, romance Screenplay: Ronald Bass Director: Petter Naess Music: Deborah Lurie Cast: Josh Hartnett, Radha Mitchell Medical topic: Asperger's syndrome Description: In recent years, Asperger’s syndrome has become a relatively common theme in films, which is a highly positive development, as it brings awareness of this condition to a wide audience that might not otherwise pick up a medical book. One such film is "The Heart's Desire," though it must be said that it does not perfectly portray the lives of those affected. Donald (Josh Hartnett) has started a support group for lonely people who struggle to fit into society. Its members spend a lot of time together; they are like family to one another. One day, an intriguing, lively woman comes to a meeting and, alongside Donald, becomes the group’s leader. They take a liking to each other and grow closer, though it isn’t easy for them because they both have Asperger’s syndrome. And this is where the problem arises, both with their relationship and with the film. Yes, this syndrome can manifest in various ways (within certain limits), but while Donald can be said to have mild symptoms of the condition, Isabelle’s behavior shows absolutely no signs of the disorder. She is always joking, understands perfectly everything that is said to her, and, unlike Donald, has no trouble whatsoever approaching another person and establishing a close connection with them. She does, however, possess unusual traits, such as an extraordinary musicality, severe headaches triggered by the sound of clanging metal, and extreme mood swings ranging from mania to outright depression, which might suggest bipolar disorder instead. In any case, we must accept, along with the filmmakers, that this is a story about the relationship and the building of a bond between two people with Asperger’s syndrome; however, I would not recommend this film to viewers who have no knowledge of the condition, as it may leave them with an inaccurate impression of it.