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Life, Animated streaming

2016 Movie United States Drama, Documentary, Comedy 91 min Ages 8+
By: Roger Ross Williams With: Jonathan Freeman, Ron Suskind, Gilbert Gottfried, Cornelia Suskind, Owen Suskind

Owen Suskind was a boy of considerable promise, until he was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. As Owen withdrew into his silent state, his parents almost lost hope that he find some way to interact with his world in some meaningful way. However, that way was found through animated films, especially those of the Walt Disney Company, which provided Owen a way to understand the world through its stories to the point of creating his own. This film covers the life of Owen and how he manages to become as functional as possible with the help of Disney and his family to the point of having his own life. However, Owen soon learns as well that there is more to real life than what Disney can illustrate in animation even as his family prepares itself for an uncertain future with him.

Filmium rating
74%

Festival Achievements

International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam 2016
Selections:
Best of Fests • IDFA Archive

Mood

Emotional
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Inspiring

Cast & Crew

Roger Ross Williams
Emily Hubley
Kate Rose
Ron Suskind
Owen Suskind
Cornelia Suskind
Gilbert Gottfried
Jonathan Freeman
Documentary Filmmakers
Voice Actors

Adaptation

Based On Book
True Story

Budget

Independent
Low-Budget

Cinematic Technique

Animation
Disney Clips
Interview Footage
Live-Action
Mixed Media

Narrative Structure

Biographical
Chronological
Linear
Personal Narrative
Thematic Exploration

Pace

Deliberate
Moderate
Reflective
Steady
Thoughtful

Runtime

Approx. 90 Minutes

Soundtrack

Disney Music
Original Score

Style

Animation
Documentary
Emotional
Realistic
Storytelling

Time-Period

2010S
Contemporary

Central Conflict

Autism Communication
Autism Struggle
Communication Barrier
Family Dynamics
Social Integration

Characters

Disney Sidekicks
Owen Suskind
Parents

Ending

Family Unity
Hopeful
Open-Ended

Historical Context

2010S
Contemporary

Key Plot Points

Adolescence
Discovery Of Disney As Communication Tool
Family Resilience

Plot

Autism
Communication
Disney Films
Family

Setting

Disney Universe
Family Environment
Family Home
Home
Therapy Sessions

Shooting Location

United States

Theme

Autism Awareness
Communication
Family Love
Resilience

Genre

Animated Documentary
Biographical
Documentary

Audiences

Adults
Autism Advocates
Documentary Enthusiasts
Families
Family
Special Needs

Titles

Life, Animated

Awards

Annie Award
Sundance Best Direction

Critical Reception

High Critic Scores
Positive Reviews

Festivals

Sundance

Ratings

75 Metacritic
94% Rotten Tomatoes

Reception

Award-Winning
Awards
Critical Acclaim
Positive Reviews

Production Countries

United States

Release Year

2016
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