As many of you may know, Sia has recently unveiled her directorial debut, a film titled “Music.” The movie stars Maddie Ziegler as a non-verbal autistic teenager who navigates life through elaborate pop musical performances alongside Kate Hudson and Leslie Odom Jr. To be honest, I haven’t seen it. I’m just trying to gather my thoughts based on what I’ve read, and frankly, I’m baffled.
Unsurprisingly, a significant number of autistic individuals are outraged by this film. Some are genuinely hurt by its portrayal, though it’s essential to recognize that not all autistic people share the same views. While I won’t delve into every reason why this film is problematic—autistic voices should lead that conversation—there are critical points worth discussing.
Representation Matters
First and foremost, Maddie Ziegler is not autistic. She is a talented young actress who has collaborated with Sia for quite some time. I don’t want to dismiss her abilities or suggest she deserves cancellation. However, as Sara Luterman noted in her review for Slate, “I do not think Ziegler is making fun of anyone. However, a lack of malice does not reduce the acute discomfort of watching her clumsily imitate disability.” The adults in her life have let her down by encouraging her to take on this role, especially when her preparation involved watching videos of autistic children during meltdowns. This approach is far from appropriate.
As the director, Sia had numerous chances to rethink or alter this project, but she chose to move forward with what many view as an offensive representation. At the very least, she could have cast an autistic actress in the lead role. Were there no autistic actresses available? It appears that was not the case.
Questionable Decisions
At one point, Sia claimed that she had initially worked with a non-verbal autistic girl who found the process distressing, which led her to cast Maddie instead. She stated, “Casting someone at (the character’s) level of functioning was cruel, not kind.” This raises a glaring question: if it was cruel for an autistic person to play the part, why did Sia think it was acceptable to continue? If the character’s portrayal was too uncomfortable for an autistic actor, perhaps it indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of the autistic experience.
The representation within “Music” is deeply flawed. Despite receiving some praise from organizations that have faced criticism from the autism community, the film presents a sanitized version of autism that is unrealistic and overly simplistic. The character Music lives in a world where her neighbors are overly supportive, and strangers offer her gifts, which starkly contrasts with reality for many autistic individuals.
Insights from the Autistic Community
The Autisticats, an Instagram account run by a group of autistic young adults, provided insights into why “Music” is considered problematic. One member, Eden, chose to watch the film despite the pain it caused, sharing their perspective on how the portrayal felt like a caricature and was unsettling. They highlighted how it evoked memories of being bullied for their own mannerisms.
Moreover, the scenes depicting Music being physically restrained are alarmingly harmful and perpetuate negative stereotypes about autism. Even though Sia has acknowledged that these scenes are damaging, they remain part of the film’s narrative.
This is not the kind of representation autistic individuals are seeking, and they certainly deserve better. Authentic autistic characters should be present in film, television, and literature, and the creators behind such content should include autistic voices in the storytelling process.
The Aftermath
While Sia has made some attempts at addressing the backlash, issuing apologies, and promising changes, the damage has been done. The film continues to garner awards and recognition, ultimately benefiting Sia while undermining the very community she claims to represent.
I’m aware that some might argue I should watch the film to form a valid opinion, but I reject that notion. I don’t need to witness non-autistic actors portray an autistic character to understand the broader implications of this film. Many autistic voices have expressed how this portrayal is harmful and inaccurate, and I believe them.
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In summary, Sia’s film “Music” has drawn significant criticism from autistic communities for its inaccurate and harmful portrayal of autism. Many argue that the character representation is problematic, and the film fails to authentically reflect the experiences of autistic individuals. The conversation surrounding this film underscores the importance of including autistic voices in storytelling and representation.
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