Audience Member
Director Harvey Hubbell V has created a powerful documentary with an incredible message and has taken to his high profile friends to explain how they've lived their lives with dyslexsia. After watching "Dislecskia: The Movie", I couldn't believe how much had been brought to light in the short time I was watching this film. Hubbell does an incredible job of informing the audience about the learning difference itself, as well as discussing the different ways of helping those who struggle with it. Not only does this film raise awareness about dyslexia, it also keeps the audience entertained by the use of modern day celebrities such as Billy Bob Thorton and even Patrick Dempsey as real life examples. Even though I don't know anyone directly affected by dyslexia, it was interesting to see the alternative ways of teaching and helping students at a young age to be successful even with this learning difference. I think it's important that people listen and pay attention to the information provided in this documentary because of the fact that it is a major dilemma in our education system. I absolutely loved this documentary and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in educating themselves about this learning difference. Whether you are dyslexic or you know someone who is affected, this film has solid research mixed with touching and entertaining anecdotes that shows you how human this learning difference can be.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/26/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Engaging, compelling, and informative, "Dislecksia: the Movie" is an eye-opening documentary about an issue that affects 15-35 million Americans. The film is a blend of strong academic research and personal stories from people who recount their experiences growing up with dyslexia, all told with the voice and vision of dyslexic director Harvey Hubbell V. His fantastic sense of humor makes a serious subject accessible and engaging for a wide audience. This film definitely struck a chord with me even though I came into it knowing very little about the subject. One of the biggest virtues of the film was that it coined the phrase "learning difference" instead of calling it a disability and emphasized early detection of dyslexia. The film is supported by current information from scientists and educators, but it was the personal anecdotes that really drew me in. I was honestly surprised to see how many people from different walks of life, from scientists, to CEOs, to actors such as Joe Pantoliano, were able overcome dyslexia and be successful. Did you know actor Billy Bob Thornton had to have someone read the script to him for every movie he has been in? Even so, he has found incredible success and all it took was a little help and a different path. "Dislecksia: the Movie" is an amazing resource for anyone struggling with dyslexia as well as parents, friends, and anyone involved in the field of education. It shows that with the right kind of support, dyslexia should not hold anyone back. I believe this film can be a source of inspiration for every one of those millions of people who struggle with dyslexia.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/04/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Many students find themselves tackling one or two subjects that they can never quite get their heads around. For some students, to the tune of 15 to 35 million, one of those subjects is reading and writing, and the cause is dyslexia. Diving from statistical montages, to celebrity interviews, to educational discussion, to personal confessions, director Harvey Hubbell V pulls together a nicely paced film that gets to the core of an issue that is often unseen and ignored.
The film begins by sharing Hubbell's own struggles with dyslexia growing up, and his progress through primary and secondary school largely ground the film. This man has faced this learning difference head on; who better to document and explore its confines? And confining it is. Hubbell goes on to explain how dyslexia is in many ways ignored by the educational system, causing students that have a chance to succeed ultimately fail because their learning needs are not met.
Hubbell's interviewees often give the most insight into the issue. When the camera turns to Hubbell's older sister who recounts a defining moment of understanding when she read one of her brother's essays for the first time phonetically, the way that every word was spelled and a common way that dyslexics write in general, and realized that her brother was actually very articulate, just unable to put the thoughts on paper correctly. Similarly, an interview with Billy Bob Thorton on his screenwriting process opens one's eyes, especially when he describes the question that dyslexics often are asked: "What do you see when you read?"
The film is uplifting and often very fun; it's a serious issue, but Hubbell recognizes that the film is best suited for adults and children alike, keeping the pace and the tone light and educational. The interviews from current students struggling with dyslexia in school and finding success were truly heartwarming and inspirational. A learning difference should never mean a child cannot succeed, and Hubbell highlights the best ways that school administrators, teachers, and parents can give their children the tools and learning styles that they need to succeed in the academic world and beyond.
In 83 minutes, Hubbell is able to give a fountain of knowledge on a subject that is often misunderstood and swept under the rug, framing it with passionate examples and glimpses of a bright and hopeful academic future that should be afforded to all students. Where awareness is at the root of the issue, Hubbell's documentary could definitely start a movement to start recognizing learning differences and allowing education to become a gift rather than a struggle.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/08/23
Full Review
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