Disability Happens ™

by Joe Posner 

Movies based on popular comic books are big business in the 21st century. Because of their inclusion in these movies, disabled characters are hot stuff too. Imagine that!

First up, “X-Men.” “X-Men,” released in 2000, was directed by Bryan Singer and starred Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Bruce Davison, Rebecca Romijn, Anna Paquin, and Ray Park.

In a time and place much like ours, the world begins to line up between mutant and anti-mutant forces. On the side of the mutants is Professor Charles Xavier (Stewart), who runs the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, a semisecret training facility for young mutants.

Xavier/Stewart is confined to a wheelchair. Although a mutant with extraordinary telepathy, he lacks the simple, “normal” ability to stand, walk or run. Undoubtedly original comic book creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby meant something ironic in this, and it works here, in a low key sort of way.

Patrick Stewart is well cast as the disabled Xavier. Although we are used to seeing Stewart, best known for his work in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” TV series and movies, standing very erect or pacing back and forth, he brings electric energy to the role.

Stewart’s Xavier is powerful and dignified. He’s a hero whose abilities (normal and mutant) much out weigh the limitations of his disability. Stewart frequently draws praise no matter what universe of dramatic circumstance he chooses to explore.

Next up, “Daredevil.” “Daredevil,” released in 2003, was directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starred Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan and Colin Farrell.

As a result of an incident at a warehouse, Matt Murdock is blinded as a boy. As a man, he leads a double life: lawyer with a heart by day; masked and costumed nemesis against those who escape the law, by night.

A premise of “Daredevil,” based on common knowledge, is that Matt’s other senses are greatly enhanced due to his loss of sight. To this writer’s knowledge, there is no compelling medical/scientific evidence that backs up this long held belief.

Ben Affleck, who has made some career missteps in recent years, seems comfortable in the role of blind superhero. The fact that “Daredevil” might have doubled it’s US gross, with someone else in the lead role, has as much to say about the fickle taste of the American film going public as it does Affleck’s ability.

Category : Film