Please Stand By (Rated PG-13)
Please Stand By is a film that will have a much heavier appeal to a certain audience, Trekkies, Writers and the Autistic. The film is the story of a young woman with Autism, who is trying to submit her script to a Star Trek Writing Competition. The set up for the story does allow the film to have a lot of Trek references, and will appeal to Trekkies on its inside jokes and the fact that Autism has been presented in Trek since its first episode. Spock, Data and many other Trek figures have trouble dealing with their emotions and relating to humans. Which is something anyone with Autism will relate too, and why so many of us love Trek. Without trying, Autistic people have been represented positively in media since the 1960's.
Dakota Fanning plays the lead, giving the best performance of someone with Autism in media thus far. Her journey is the typical coming of age, road trip variety; it is a light-hearted film that is going to make you cry at moments, but leaves you feeling nothing but warmth and hope. This is typical of the genre, films like this, little indie stories about subjects rarely covered play this Juno style formula. Hell, this comes from one of Juno's producers. Cute, warm and with a heart that is meant to make you care about an issue, because you care about the character. This is how films should tackle issues of any kind, because when you present them this way, it can be both a film to carry a torch and also just an entertaining hero's journey. However, I should note that this film uses a character's quirks for a far more reasonable example. In Juno, it was to try and show how teenagers are, in this film it is done to show examples of how Autism can affect your personailtiy and behavoir.
Due to certain events, this young girl with Autism sets out from San Francisco to L.A to deliver her script in person. Along the way she meets many interesting characters, some with compassion and the empathy needed to care for and help someone like her; and others who would take advantage of people like her. Which is an all too real occurrence for most people with Autism, another thing Autistic people have to deal with is the Police. I love Patton Oswalt, he is a great actor and comedian. He plays a nerdy officer here, who offers our hero help along her journey; yet sadly, this is not how Police treat the autistic, making it the only inaccurate moment of the film. Yes there are police like this in the field, and yes there are times this happens; but, it is not a common or even frequent occurrence in our world.
Although as inaccurate as it is, I am glad it is there, to perhaps be used as a teaching tool for real Police. You need to relate and make people feel not threatened, like your one of them that you wish them well, and wish to help. Patton steals his very short screen time, making you wish he had a larger role, but it is a very important one. The rest of the cast is rounded out by Toni Collette and Alice Eve, two very talented and underrated actresses, along with a very adorable dog. Everyone gives a stellar, heartfelt and believable performance, shedding light on a very important issue. Not only is it an empowering film for girls to pursue their dreams, but it empowers those with Autism to know we can do anything we wish to.
The film is not perfect, it uses a lot of typical tropes to get its story told, yet when it is told with such conviction and passion; those little things that make you go, "huh I've seen that before", or "oh this is surely formulaic", they just don't matter. The acting, the emotions and the heart of the film are so strong, that no matter who you are, a Trekkie, someone with Autism, a Writer, a Girl, or just someone looking for an inspiring, uplifting piece of entertainment, you will find a gem that sadly did not get the attention it so deserves. Am I biased, surely on some levels. I adore and relate to Trek more than anything else; until this film, I am also as you can see a Writer. But I am not a female, which means you don't need to be either, that thought that we can't relate to someone of another background, gender or faith, is false.
In a world that has told girls, you are not Autistic, or worse that girls cannot be Autistic, this film could not be more important. As a film that showcases incredible performances, with a story that warms those cockles deep in your heart, it is perfect. But, remember this, perfect films are everywhere, if you don't like a perfect film, that is ok, it is because enjoyment is subjective. No matter the quality, some people just won't connect or care about certain stories. Yet, this is a film that is every bit enjoyable, as it is enlightening and inspiring. The soundtrack is also superb, while it is of the quirky indie music that you expect in films like this; yet, the music aids in telling the story in a very sweet way. The music in fact is a plot device of sorts, beyond brilliant musical choices to express what is going on in the story, this may seem like extra praise on top of praise. But musical storytelling is sorely lacking in most films today; especially when done this well, and that can be helpful in allowing certain people with disabiltiles to still understand the story.
If you are looking for a fun, quirky tale, that also touches on serious issues that are downplayed or never even mentioned, Please Stand By will meet and exceed your expectations. In a world that needs to understand Autism, and when we need Awareness & Acceptance so badly, a great film like this should not fly under the radar. It may not touch on all the issues people with Autism face, but it will open your eyes enough to learn, we are not something to fear, we are people yearning for acceptance and love.
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