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Learning about Autism through Film

For years in Hollywood, autism has only meant one thing: Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. That Oscar-winning performance in 1988 brought the condition to a mass audience but, though undoubtedly well-intentioned, Hoffman’s obsessive toothpick-counting character has become cultural shorthand for a very complicated condition.

Sigourney Weaver's Groundbreaking Role in Snow Cake

In her new film Snow Cake, Sigourney Weaver plays a very different kind of autistic. Her character, Linda, keeps a very clean house but also has an unorthodox approach to Scrabble, bounces around on a backyard trampoline and – in the quirk that gives the film its title – enjoys eating snow in her Ontario back garden. Her relatively carefree existence is disturbed by the arrival of an English ex-convict (Alan Rickman), bearing news that her daughter has been killed in a car accident, which marks the start of a very unusual relationship.

Exploring Autism with Sigourney Weaver

For 57-year-old Weaver, it’s just the latest in a long line of intriguing roles, from the statuesque Dana Barrett in the Ghostbusters series to haunted Alice Hunt in The Village. She’s repeatedly demonstrated her mastery of both comedy (Working Girl, Galaxy Quest) and drama (The Year Of Living Dangerously, Death And The Maiden), and has cemented her place in Hollywood history with her defiant, iconic portrayal of Lt Ellen Ripley in the Alien series.

As well as travelling with Snow Cake at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Weaver will be in conversation with EIFF director Shane Danielsen as part of the Scottish Sunday-sponsored Reel Life strand, a unique chance to hear the actress herself reflect on her past, present, and future. But before that, she reveals how she approached one of her most challenging roles yet.

How Sigourney Weaver Prepared for the Role

How did you prepare to play a high-functioning autistic?

It took me a long time even to understand how to prepare for this part because every person with autism is unique and to find someone like Linda took me a long time. It was one of the most fascinating years I have ever spent researching a role. I learned so much and met so many wonderful people, and it was very satisfying to get to use that research in the part. I had a lot of help, and I am grateful to everyone who tried to help me do this accurately.

The Making of Snow Cake

How did you get the part?

I found it through the director, Marc Evans, and my agent. The script had this fine balance of comedy and romance yet managed to throw some real light on the subject of autism.

Is the script what drew you to Snow Cake in the first place?

The script was so lovely and redemptive and had real human beings in it. The writer, Angela Pell, has an autistic son which gave her the roots of the whole film. So all my experiences, bouncing on the trampoline and eating snow – that is all down to her son. She wanted to write a film that showed that sometimes autistic people can be a pain but most of the time it’s very good fun and enlightening. I wanted to do the film as soon as I read the script. The film was not just about autism, it was about a very special woman who also happened to have autism.

Has the way you go “looking for work” changed over the years?

I think it’s hard for actors to find projects as wonderful as Snow Cake. The experience of working together in such a tight ensemble, such an intimate experience is something I enjoyed very much but with acting you have to set sail and go and see what comes. I can only speak for myself. You cannot have extraordinarily high standards. You have to follow your gut and look for something that moves you, and that you would want to see and is a story that you would want to tell.

The Gift of Autism

What did you discover studying autism?

I think the world concentrates on seeing people in terms of assets and deficits and people think of autism as a definite deficit for those that have it. Having worked and been with people on the autism spectrum for many months I think we have to begin to see it as a gift – we may not understand what is there, but if you are in the presence of someone with autism for a long time, you learn so much. You learn how to play, you learn how to see things differently, you learn how to experience things, and you also learn how jarring the world is. I re-experienced learning how to enjoy really simple things. I loved the time I got to spend with autistic people and I consider them as friends.

Are you any closer to working out what is “typical” when it comes to autism?

I guess yes and no. What I perceived is that there are problems that are shared by a lot of people on the spectrum. They have those in common. But as for every person I have met they are completely unique. I wouldn’t want to be in the business of generalizing about this particular condition.

Sigourney Weaver's Acting Journey

Acting Challenges and Collaboration

You have said that you normally find acting very difficult …

It can be if actors aren’t there for each other. In this film, Alan [Rickman] respected what I was trying to do and we always tried to be there for each other. The scenes were complex and go all over the place, but it was an amazing ensemble experience to have that trust. I felt that we were like trapeze artists and every time I was in the air he caught me.

The Evolution of Sigourney Weaver's Career

What are the main differences between the work you’re doing now and the roles you were being offered 20 years ago?

You presume a lot of control over where your career goes. I think that is an illusion. You are offered certain things when you are younger. Actually, I always felt happy not to get too many girlfriend roles, but I would have liked to do more love stories. But you deal with the hand you are dealt.

Continuing to Play Strong Female Characters

Do you still want to play strong women?

I have enjoyed life after Alien because I have gotten to do so many different things and I have been so fortunate with the choices I’ve been able to make but I do not try to play weak women. I have not changed the way I approach my work. It just happens to be that now I am doing less archetypal characters.

Understanding Sigourney Weaver's Unique Roles

Why do you think you’re typecast in strong parts?

I don’t know! I’m always amazed by the way such parts come to me. Are the women I play always strong-willed and strong-minded? Yes, but I think we women are strong and, you know, we hold the world together.

Exploring Autism through Film: Implications for the Hospitality Industry

As the film Snow Cake brings attention to the unique experiences of individuals with autism, it is important to consider how this awareness can impact various industries, including hospitality. The portrayal of autism in movies can help enhance understanding and empathy towards individuals on the spectrum.

Hotels, in particular, can play a significant role in creating an inclusive environment for guests with autism. By training staff members to be aware of the particular needs and sensitivities of individuals with autism, hotels can ensure a more comfortable and accommodating stay for these guests. Small adjustments such as providing quiet spaces, visual aids, and clear communication can greatly enhance their experience.

Furthermore, hotels can collaborate with autism organizations and experts to develop specialized programs and services. This can include sensory-friendly rooms, social stories, and tailored activities to meet the specific needs and interests of individuals with autism.

By embracing inclusivity and implementing autism-friendly practices, hotels can not only cater to a wider range of guests but also foster a more compassionate and understanding society. It is through such efforts that the hospitality industry can make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism and their families.

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