My Left Foot

Born in 1932 with athetoid cerebral palsy, Christy Brown learned to write and paint with his left foot. His autobiography was originally published in 1955. Christy died in 1981 and this film based on his book, was released in 1989. The film is his story of triumph over an incredible disability against the backdrop of his poor, Irish Catholic family.

Most of Christys life is related in flashbacks from a ceremony honoring him. Since you know that the end depicts a success, the value of the storyline is in his process. There were physical, financial, psychological and relationship hardships that were all obstacles in his path. It is quite an unusual heros journey with an unexpected resolution that is presented as an epilogue to the film and it is truly a tale that shows us the power of the human spirit.

What were missing for me in the film, which may be in the book, were the methods that Christy used or were used on him that enabled him to function. Was it self-directed practice, physical therapy, psychological therapy or what? The screenplay adequately dramatized his fortitude, determination, frustration and spirit, but it left out some details that I thought would help us understand his breakthrough. The omission does not detract from the drama, but in my view, it left unanswered questions.

Daniel Day-Lewis plays Christy Brown and he does an amazing imitation of Browns cerebral palsy. His 30-year career includes early performances in A Room with a View and My Beautiful Launderette (1985) and a recent starring role as Bill the Butcher Cutting in Gangs of New York (2002). Considering his talent, I am surprised that he has only performed in 20 roles over 30 years.

Reviewed November 27, 2003