IN BETWEEN THE EIGHT DAY AND THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON – R(EVOLUTION) IN REPRESENTATIONS OF A PERSON WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN THE FILM
IN BETWEEN THE EIGHT DAY AND THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON – R(EVOLUTION) IN REPRESENTATIONS OF A PERSON WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN THE FILM

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: Films constitute a powerful educational tool driving social change; viewers imi-tate the presented models or attitudes, even if they are not part of their personal experience.Therefore, it is extremely important to properly depict people with disabilities in the media, astheir image in the media is infrequently their only representation in the mind of an average vie-wer. This paper compares two films telling similar stories of young men with Down syndrome.Research Aim: The aim of the study was to find the answer to the question whether over theperiod of 25 years between making of the two analysed films, the manner of creating the profileof a film character, an adult man with Down syndrome, has changed in accordance with the cu-rrent trends and developments in the social life, and whether the incapacitating representationsof disability found in the literature are still incorporated in film characters with disabilities.Research Method: Elements of media content analysis were used to describe, categorise andinterpret the selected films.Results: Substantial differences in the manner of creating character profiles were observed; thechanges were related to the model of disability underlying the character, as well as the presenceof incapacitating representations of disability in the analysed film productions.Conclusions: The media, despite its logic and expectations of the broadcasters, have been ta-king into account research results and suggestions made by the community of people with di-sabilities, educators and media researchers regarding portrayal of disability in the media resul-ting from the implemented social change. It is necessary to provide continued, systematic andscheduled education to individuals working in the media and film industry on the impact of themedia on social attitudes and shaping the consciousness of art viewers. Disability representa-tion in the media cannot be accidental or merely reflect the film makers’ imagination.

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