Profoundly Normal

Profoundly Normal is a heartwarming, 2003 made-for-television drama film directed by Graeme Clifford. This poignant movie is inspired by actual events and features a star-studded cast, headlined by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Kirstie Alley, who also co-produced the film, alongside renowned actor Delroy Lindo and veteran actress Rosemary Dunsmore.

The film sets itself apart by portraying the story of a unique romantic relationship. Profoundly Normal narrates the tale of two intellectually disabled individuals, Donna and Ricardo, who, on their journey of love and companionship, challenge societal norms, defy expectations, and affirm the value of their authentic, emotional connection.

Kirstie Alley plays the role of Donna Lee Shelby Thornton, a woman with an intellectual disability, who has spent most of her life living in an institution. Alley’s portrayal of Donna's immense resilience, spunk, and strength of character is both heartfelt and inspiring. The actress successfully manages to humanize Donna and make her relatable, rather than reducing her to her disability.

Delroy Lindo stars as Ricardo Thornton, another patient at the same institution. He gives an equally compelling performance, bringing to life Ricardo's gentle nature, quiet strength, and unwavering love for Donna. The on-screen chemistry between Lindo and Alley adds depth to the storyline and will leave viewers impressed.

The supporting cast, spearheaded by Rosemary Dunsmore, amplifies the movie's emotional quotient, with Dunsmore playing the role of Jackie, a caring institution worker who plays a pivotal part in the lives of Donna and Ricardo.

The story unfolds as Donna and Ricardo become friends at the institution, an unlikely relationship that blossoms over time into a heartwarming romance. Their love story is not typical by any means, especially in a society that often looks at people with intellectual disabilities through a paternalistic lens. But despite their intellectual disability, their relationship demonstrates an incredibly profound level of understanding and compassion towards each other.

Profundly Normal highlights the couple's journey to fight for their rights to love, marry, raise a family, and enjoy the simple joys of life that many take for granted. The movie tenderly delves into the extraordinary lives of ordinary people, their struggle for dignity, personal freedoms, and acceptance in a 'normal' world.

Graeme Clifford's direction sensitively handles the complexities of the characters and their relationship. He effectively uses storytelling to challenge the audience's stereotypes and prejudices towards people with intellectual disabilities. The screenplay by Paris Qualles is evocative, filled with humor, defiance, and hope, and does not shy away from presenting the adversarial conditions that the characters must confront.

The film is also memorable for its poignant score, composed by Lawrence Shragge, which sensitively underscores the emotional journey of Donna and Ricardo. The cinematography by Tom Neuwirth captures the essence of the characters' complex lives and their environment.

In essence, Profoundly Normal is not just a film about disability or a chronicle of a unique love story. It is a testament to the extraordinary courage, incredible will, and the enduring capacity for love that ordinary individuals possess. It invites the viewer to reassess their understanding of 'normality' and 'disability.' This authentic depiction of love, human rights, acceptance, and strength makes Profoundly Normal a movie worth watching.

A brave attempt at providing a voice to the often-ignored section of society, Profoundly Normal underscores the universal message of respecting human rights and the power of love in the face of adversity. Every aspect of the movie, from the expert performances to the absorbing narrative, is handled with a high degree of dignity, grace, and authenticity.

Ultimately, Profoundly Normal is a film that manages to strike a balance between simplicity and depth, addressing complex human emotions and social issues through a story of love that is both extremely 'normal' and yet 'profoundly' special. It is a remarkable testament to the depths of the human spirit and the beauty of love in all its forms. This movie holds a special place in television history as a noteworthy contribution that resonates with all viewers and evokes compassion, understanding, and empathy.