Johns Hopkins University Disability in Film Critical Analysis

Film: Radio (2003) directed by Mike Tollin, features actors Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, etc. 

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways did the portrayal of the character in the film seem representative or unrepresentative of the experience of people with disabilities or their families as you understand them? Were any stereotypes enforced or debunked?

2. Did you gain any insights from this film that will help you understand people with disabilities and their families?

3. Discuss the impact of the disability (as portrayed in the film) on the family members and/or friends of the character with the disability.

4. Discuss how public opinion of individuals with disabilities could be both positively and negatively impacted by this movie.

Minimum 3 sentences for each question, use resources/citations such as peer-reviewed articles.

Examples that can be used or can search for other resources

Ellis, K., & Goggin, G. (2015). Disability media participation: Opportunities, obstacles and politics.?Media International Australia,?154(1), 78–88. https://doi.org/10.1177/1329878X1515400111

Heisel, W. (2020, February 7). Time for Hollywood to make disabilities more than just Oscar material. The Center for Health Journalism. https://centerforhealthjournalism.org/2020/02/06/t… 

Mogk, M. E. (Ed.). (2013). Different bodies: Essays on disability in film and television (pp 1–16). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers.

Samsel, M., & Perepa, P. (2013, November). The impact of media representation of disabilities on teachers’ perceptions.?Support for Learning,?28(4), 138–145. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12036