What do Billy Bob Thornton, founder of Tae Bo Billy Banks and director Harvey Hubbell V all have in common? Based on their outward appearance… nothing, but their similarities lay beneath the surface. All three are dyslexic, and share their story about living with their “learning difference” in Hubbell’s documentary, Dislecksia: The Movie.
Dislecksia: The Movie is a comedic documentary that’s goal is to educate audiences on the truth about dyslexia, as well as a way for those struggling with the condition to realize they’re not alone. The film begins as a throwback to the 1950’s informative video; exaggerated voice-over with cartoonish effects make the statistics easy to comprehend. Most of the documentary has the aesthetic of a 1990’s sitcom filming on location; I was instantly reminded of an episode of “Full House.” It doesn’t seem like a very “modern” documentary in terms of look, but it is possible that was an artistic decision.
Most of the documentary has the aesthetic of a 1990’s sitcom filming on location; I was instantly reminded of an episode of “Full House.”
Hubbell, who directs the film, is also the pseudo-star; his struggles with dyslexia are at the forefront of the film, even though I personally found it more interesting to hear the stories of famous celebrities who have the condition, like Thornton (Sling Blade), actor Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos), soap opera star Sarah Joy Brown (“General Hospital”) and author Stephen J. Cannell. Thornton recalls the only way he memorizes lines in his scripts are when they are read aloud to him. Brown confessed she didn’t read a book until high school. The film does a good job of motivating those who may feel discouraged by dyslexia; all the while, not making it seem like a mandatory school film.
I walked away with some interesting knowledge, like the fact that Albert Einstein was dyslexic and didn’t even talk until he was seven years old. However, because I personally am not affected with the condition, I had a hard time 100% connecting to the film. At times, Dislecksia: The Movie tends to feel a bit “exclusive,” which can translate as a bit off-putting. Overall, as an audience member, you’ll be inundated with facts about dyslexia and how to manage a happy, healthy life despite the struggle.
