Wretches & Jabberers

Wretches & Jabberers is a heart-wrenching yet profoundly uplifting documentary film released in 2011. This dynamic and touching film features two men, Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher, who are living with autism. Their challenging journey tells a simple yet moving tale, intertwined with the profound desire to break free from societal prejudices and misconceptions.

The documentary opens with Larry and Tracy, both in their 50s, sharing about their lives living with autism in Vermont, USA. From ages regarded as 'retarded' and 'socially inept' due to their condition, the narrative explores how despite being non-verbal, the men learned to express their interior lives, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations through the use of typing, thereby dismissing the widespread misconception that autism equates to intellectual impairment.

Directed by Academy Award winner Gerardine Wurzburg, Wretches & Jabberers is not just a documentary; it's an emotionally touching narrative that showcases a compelling expedition of two extraordinary men keen to alter the way society perceives them. The film takes us on their journey as they embark on a global mission to spread awareness and change attitudes about the intelligence and abilities of people with autism.

The film delves deep into the peripheries of societal stigmas, bullying and the trials of living with autism, as we discover Larry and Tracy's visits to Sri Lanka, Japan, and Finland. They meet other individuals with autism, their families, and even autism specialists, striving to learn and educate others about their experiences. This journey across continents becomes a platform for them to raise awareness and advocate for autism acceptance and understanding worldwide.

As the film progresses, viewers are drawn closer towards Larry and Tracy's perspective on their lives with autism. They venture beyond just sharing their personal stories and come forward to associate themselves with the global autistic community. The entire notion of the film revolves around the advocacy of acceptance, understanding and ultimately, the transformation of society’s perspective of individuals with autism. The documentary seeks to encourage the audience to question and reflect upon their views concerning disability, intelligence, and what it means to be human.

Larry Bissonnette and Tracy Thresher not only star in the film but they also serve as the soulful narrators of their life stories, in their undeniably unique yet highly universal human struggle. The striking aspect of Wretches & Jabberers is how it successfully portrays Larry and Tracy as not merely victims of their condition but as the protagonists of their own life story. The film accurately showcases the perseverance, temerity, and willpower of these men and the respect they have earned from everyone they encounter throughout their journey.

The documentary also showcases how Larry and Tracy communicate using specialized typing devices, their words voiced by a computer. This method, though painstaking, allows Larry and Tracy to eloquently express their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. The audience witnesses heartening moments where they share their sense of humour, insights, and even their point of view about their condition.

Wurzburg]s artful direction blesses the narrative with moments that are deeply moving and instil hope, courage, and a sense of persistence. The director employs a subtle storytelling approach, keeping the protagonists at the heart of the film, beautifully portraying their triumphant strength and their struggles without being overly dramatic or exploiting their condition.

This film is established against an appealing soundtrack provided by J. Ralph, adding an extra depth and dimension to the storytelling. The songs' lyrics, combined with the music, paints the emotions, struggles, and victories experienced by Larry and Tracy, adding to the overall feel and message of the film.

In a nutshell, Wretches & Jabberers is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges the stereotypes related to autism. It poses an important question to the viewers regarding societal norms, pushing them to reconsider their understanding and perception of individuals living with autism.

In conclusion, Wretches & Jabberers is a must-watch for those who wish to gain a unique insight into the world of autism, teaching viewers a profound lesson about acceptance of and compassion for people living with autism. It is more than just a documentary; it is an experience that has the power to change beliefs and attitudes regarding autism.