Temple Grandin (2010)
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An autistic woman's unique perspective and innovations revolutionize the humane handling of livestock.
The story
Temple Grandin is an uncommunicative child diagnosed with autism, a condition then misunderstood as a form of schizophrenia. Despite medical advice to institutionalize her, her mother works to help her adapt to social interaction. In 1962, at age 15, Temple travels to her aunt and uncle's ranch. There, she experiences an anxiety attack and discovers a squeeze chute can calm her. Inspired by her mentor, Dr. Carlock, she pursues science and eventually develops a prototype machine to manage her stress. Her journey leads her into the world of cattle ranching, where she faces challenges and begins to develop innovative designs for the industry.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Temple Grandin is an uncommunicative child diagnosed with autism, a condition then believed to be a form of schizophrenia. Her mother fights to provide her with a normal life and education. In 1962, while working on her aunt's ranch, Temple discovers that a squeeze chute helps her manage anxiety. She later develops a version of this machine at college, which is initially confiscated by authorities before she proves its therapeutic value. She earns a degree in psychology and a master's in animal science. Despite facing sexism in the cattle industry, she designs a new dip structure. While her design is initially successful, it is altered by ranch hands, leading to the death of several cows. Following the death of her mentor, Dr. Carlock, she meets a woman named Betty and eventually designs a successful layout for a slaughterhouse. The film concludes in 1981, where Temple attends the National Autism Convention to share her story.
- First release year
- 2010
- Runtime (minutes)
- 107
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Mick Jackson
- Writers
- Christopher Monger · screenplay; William Merritt Johnson · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Claire Danes · Temple Grandin; Catherine O'Hara · Aunt Ann; Julia Ormond · Eustacia Cutler; David Strathairn · Dr. Carlock; Charles Baker · Billy; Barry Tubb · Randy
- Genres
- Biographical drama
- Themes
- Autism awareness; Innovation; Overcoming adversity; Animal welfare
- Tone and mood
- Inspirational; Heartfelt; Authentic
- Premise and plot tags
- Biopic; Autism; Agriculture; Science
- Source material / true-story basis
- Grandin's memoirs Emergence and Thinking in Pictures
- Reception
- The film received widespread acclaim for its heartfelt and authentic portrayal, with critics praising Claire Danes' performance and the film's ability to make autism relatable while avoiding clichés.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 84 · scale: 100 · review count: 19; Rotten Tomatoes · score: 8.7 · scale: 10 · review count: 31
- Production trivia
- The film was shot in Texas to represent both the rural West and New England.; Claire Danes spent six hours with the real Temple Grandin to prepare for the role.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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