Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia (1984)

Film Overview
"Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia" is an effective 1984 American drama movie directed by Alexander Grasshoff. This Emmy-nominated school special checks out the subject of dyslexia, aiming to raise awareness about this finding out condition. The film centers around 2 brothers, one of whom is dyslexic, and their journey in understanding and dealing with this discovering disability.

Main Characters
Main characters Brian and Adam, articulately represented by River Phoenix and his real-life brother Joaquin Phoenix as his younger version, are main to the story. Brian, a high school student, is the most affected, and he has a hard time acadically. Adam, a more youthful kid, albeit sharp and nimble, isn't prospering in school either. Their parents, played by Anne E. Curry and Ed Bakey, initially error their kids's predicaments for laziness and lack of focus.

Movie Narrative
Throughout the movie, Brian comes across a series of humiliating and frustrating scenarios that showcases his struggle to handle the learning impairment. He experiences aggravation and shame when getting exam scores, buffooning by schoolmates for his reading abilities, and problem understanding easy composed commands in daily life. The most touching part depends on Brian's efforts to hide his concern, deeply fearing to disappoint his parents, and the brotherly bond, where Adam defends Brian throughout attempting times.

Adam's dyslexia is also highlighted and is revealed on-screen going through a series of tests administered by his school therapist, Tracy Harris (depicted by Shelley J. Winter). These scenes highlight the misconceptions about dyslexia, where Adam, in spite of his intelligence, can not stay up to date with his academic requirements due to his learning impairment.

Dealing with Dyslexia
"Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia" provides dyslexia as more than a mere impairment and concerns society's understanding of it. Critical scenes in the film include treatment sessions where Brian, Adam, and their family learn more about dyslexia. These sessions not only educate them about the nature of dyslexia but likewise provide them with coping mechanisms to handle and conquer the unfavorable impact of this condition.

Simultaneously, the film does not avoid portraying the psychological toll of dyslexia, as seen in Brian's anger and disappointment over his condition. His hesitation to participate in therapy, and the resulting tension within the household, provides a reasonable view of the effect such a condition might have on a person and their family.

Conclusion
Ultimately, the film showcases an enthusiastic and empowering narrative, permitting Brian and Adam to demonstrate that dyslexia is not a failure, however a different method of perceiving the world. It seeks to dispel misconceptions around the disability and delivers an effective message about understanding, accepting, and appropriately managing learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

Through its thoughtful representation of dyslexia, "Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia" has a considerable impact, making it an effective tool to spread out awareness about learning specials needs. While the movie is embeded in the mid-80s, its poignant story and message remain pertinent today, working as a necessary resource for understanding and demystifying dyslexia.

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