Murderball Film Review

What is the main thesis of this film?

To me, the thesis of this film was that those that are quadriplegic are able to do many if not just about all of the same things that those out of a wheelchair can do, but that they might require some alternative way to accomplish a task. Pretty much it is proving that they are not useless; like it is sometimes portrayed.

Taken From http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/host-a-screening-film-murderball

What are the main arguments in support of the thesis?

The main arguments that I found in support of this thesis was showing how physically disabled people are able to compete in the Paralympics, as well as how some of the sports are actually full contact sports such as wheelchair rugby.

How does the thesis of this film relate to the course?

Taken From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paralympic_Games

The thesis of “Murderball” is related to the course because it is fighting against the preconceived notion that comes along with being disabled. It also relates to how people are often only seeing people as able or disabled, but in wheelchair rugby there is a point system that qualifies how many certain players may be on the court at one time depending on their physical ability level.

Which arguments/point did you find the most convincing?

What I found that most convincing was how the main characters within the film have been able to find ways to accomplish pretty much all of the tasks that fully able people are able to do. They are able to drive, cook, have sex, and pull pranks. It almost makes one take what they have for granted. It even show that people with disabilities are all kinds just like everyone else; they can be nice or assholes, which is very much in support about what was being said by bitchmedia about the good cripple and the supercrip.

Which arguments/points did you find the least convincing?

What I found the least convincing was not actually in the film, but it came from the discussion in class after the film. It pretty much came up that many people in wheelchairs don’t want to walk again. I may have just taken it the wrong way, or am having a hard time believing it, but I think 99% if given the opportunity to be fully able again would take that option. I think its largely that they came to accept that they likely were never going to be fully able again and in turn have just found way to cope with it.

Research Study:

If I were to conduct a research study I would want to interview quadriplegics of all groups, classes, etc. and see if they would want to walk again given the chance without risks. I want to see if they really would not want to change their life, or have possibly accepted the lifestyle out of necessity.