Shadows on the Wall | Being Heumann

Being Heumann

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir Sian Heder
scr Sian Heder, Rebekah Taussig
prd David Permut, John W Beach, Kevin Cleary, Sian Heder, Kevin J Walsh
with Ruth Madeley, Mark Ruffalo, Dylan O'Brien, Madeline Delp, Roberta Colindrez, Jon Beavers, Antwan Tolliver, Andrew Pilkington, Ray Fisher, Rob Delaney, Michael Patrick Thornton, Russell Harvard
release US 13.Nov.26
26/US Apple 2h07

TORONTO FILM FEST

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pilkington, o'brien, colindrez, madeley, delp and friends

Crackling with sparky attitude, this biopic about activist Judy Heumann's historic 26-day lock-in takes a bracingly honest approach to the experiences of people with disabilities, specifically looking at the access they deserve to be part of society. Writer-director Sian Heder is gifted at finding gorgeously resonant touches throughout every scene while bringing out the humour and passion of hugely likeable characters. And their inner fire is deeply inspiring.

In 1977 San Francisco, Judy (Madeley) is a leader in the push for accessibility, unwilling to accept that her life is limited by a wheelchair. She's fighting against systemic exclusion of people with a variety of disabilities. But Congressman Joseph Califano (Ruffalo) in Washington delays signing the law into action, pressured from all sides about the high cost of implementing such widespread changes. Journalist Evan White (O'Brien) keeps Judy's crew in headlines as they stage a sit-in in a federal building. Authorities push back harshly, but the protesters stand firm. And they take unexpected action.

Stubborn and intractable, Califano believes an equal access law is impossible because which will require such extensive changes to buildings and streets across the country. "You can't help everybody," he argues, willing to leave millions behind. Of course, the activists rightfully have no sympathy for that argument, having been routinely excluded from school, transportation, toilets and services. They also demonstrate a raucous love for life, finding all kinds of ways to entertain themselves while occupying government offices.

The casting here is extraordinary, creating a superb ensemble of actors whose various impairments are never depicted as disadvantages. And the refreshingly naturalistic performances, anchored by the electric Madeley, create a wonderful picture of a diverse community working to their strengths, with triumphs, tensions and nuanced relationships. Many get stand-out moments of their own, most notably the scene-stealing Pilkington. And they are skilfully supported by Ruffalo, O'Brien, Delaney and Fisher.

Simply because it allows these vibrant people to so eloquently express their feelings, this film is essential. Even today, those with disabilities are used to being "easily ignored", and are tired of being excluded. Throughout their lives, they have been told that they are the problem. But as Judy says, "The stairs are the problem." These important individuals shouldn't have to remain invisible, unable to live fully. Judy's steely tenacity may have rubbed some haters the wrong way, but it also changed the world. This vital chapter in history should be taught in schools.

themes, language, violence 3.Oct.26

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