Is it Autism or PTSD?
Examining Mental Health and Cinema through "The Wizard"
WHAT HAPPENED
I recently re-watched the movie The Wizard which debuted in 1984, featuring Fred Savage, that kid from The Wonder Years if the name isn’t ringing a bell. The movie follows a nine year-old named Jimmy who discovers an innate ability to crush high scores in video games. This leads Jimmy to enter a video game tournament in which he has to face off against two other players in Super Mario Brothers 3.
JIMMY’S BACKSTORY (Spoiler Alert)
Jimmy is first introduced while he is stacking blocks in what appears to be a play therapy room. Watching from the room is his mother and the crass boyfriend trope. They can’t understand what’s wrong with Jimmy, but he likes to stack blocks, is mostly non-verbal, and has a habit of wandering from the house because he wants to visit California.
WHY CALIFORNIA?
Jimmy is a twin who lost his twin sister to a drowning accident he bore witness to. In a tin lunchbox, Jimmy carries a photo of her, a family picture that was taken in front of a dinosaur years ago. His goal—unknown to other characters or the audience—is to visit the same site where the picture was taken.
THE RESOLUTION
Jimmy wins the Super Mario Brothers 3 tournament. For me, especially at the young age I first watched this movie, winning the tournament was a satisfying resolution. Only after becoming a writer did I recognize beauty in the falling action.
FALLING ACTION?
Falling action is typically a bit of plot to taper off after a story’s climax, as to not jar the reader/watcher after a scene. In The Wizard, the falling action is anything but a taper. It is the resolution of Jimmy’s longing to be at peace with his sister’s death. After the tournament, Jimmy’s family drives past the giant dinosaur and they stop at the exact place the old photo was taken. “California.” Jimmy finds his peace.
AUTISM OR PTSD OR BOTH?
In today’s age, mental health and information pertaining to behavioral health disorders are widely discussed, or, at least they are talked about more-so than in the 80’s. As I re-watched The Wizard, I couldn’t help but think: “Hmm. This looks a lot like autism.”
What autistic signs does Jimmy display?
Challenges with social connection
Preference for routine and predictability
Distress when plans change
Repetitive behaviors
Intense, focused interests
And what about the PTSD symptoms from Jimmy witnessing the death of his twin sister drowning?
Avoidance of water
Dissociation
Regression
Carrying of objects tied to the trauma
VERDICT
Despite the 29% tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, I think the writing of Jimmy’s character in The Wizard was thoughtfully planned and led to a wholesome conclusion. Maybe this will be one of those films that becomes more appreciated as times moves on. Or maybe not! If you’ve seen the movie or have an opinion on mental health and today’s cinema and want to share your opinion, let me know what you think below.