How is intellectual disability represented in Let Him Have It?
The 1991 film Let Him Have It was directed by Peter Medak, and is based on the life of a young disabled man named Derek Bentley. Derek’s disability is represented is an honest un-romanticised fashion. The film explores how it affects his life and his decision making, as well as how his disability impacts his relationships with others. Derek is easily influenced and unable to entirely comprehend the consequences of his actions, resulting in tragic altercations with the law. Let Him Have It accurately portrays life with disability and the realities of failing to be cohesive with a world built for those of able mind and body.
Derek’s family play a large role in caring for him despite the fact he is technically an adult himself. His parents are supportive and loving. They endeavour to make Derek’s life pleasant and happy through his assortment of pets and radios, while also …show more content…
There is no heroic death here, which demonstrates a reality of life with disability, and life in general. There is very rarely any actual glory in suffering. Derek is not a martyr, his illness and execution are not romanticised. The portrayal of grief in Let Him Have It is not glorified or heroic. The characters are honest in their grief and suffering like those in The Fault in Our Stars, recognising death as sorrowful rather than some deluded opportunity for “holy suffering”.
Let Him Have It is a narrative of love, death and the human condition. Derek’s story is an honest representation of disability - he isn’t treated fairly, just as many disabled people in reality aren’t. Derek 's intellectual disability means that despite his family’s support and guidance, he cannot be protected from influence and injustice in the wider world. Regardless of his family and personal morality, Derek’s disability affects his decision making, and ultimately dictating his
The 1991 film Let Him Have It was directed by Peter Medak, and is based on the life of a young disabled man named Derek Bentley. Derek’s disability is represented is an honest un-romanticised fashion. The film explores how it affects his life and his decision making, as well as how his disability impacts his relationships with others. Derek is easily influenced and unable to entirely comprehend the consequences of his actions, resulting in tragic altercations with the law. Let Him Have It accurately portrays life with disability and the realities of failing to be cohesive with a world built for those of able mind and body.
Derek’s family play a large role in caring for him despite the fact he is technically an adult himself. His parents are supportive and loving. They endeavour to make Derek’s life pleasant and happy through his assortment of pets and radios, while also …show more content…
There is no heroic death here, which demonstrates a reality of life with disability, and life in general. There is very rarely any actual glory in suffering. Derek is not a martyr, his illness and execution are not romanticised. The portrayal of grief in Let Him Have It is not glorified or heroic. The characters are honest in their grief and suffering like those in The Fault in Our Stars, recognising death as sorrowful rather than some deluded opportunity for “holy suffering”.
Let Him Have It is a narrative of love, death and the human condition. Derek’s story is an honest representation of disability - he isn’t treated fairly, just as many disabled people in reality aren’t. Derek 's intellectual disability means that despite his family’s support and guidance, he cannot be protected from influence and injustice in the wider world. Regardless of his family and personal morality, Derek’s disability affects his decision making, and ultimately dictating his