In honor of the release today of Jane Wants a Boyfriend, a film that looks at the life of a young woman with autism trying to find love in NYC we’re counting down 5 actresses who’ve portrayed realistic portrayals of autism on film. Click here to read more about 10 films that will help you learn about autism.
5. Radha Mitchell (Mozart & The Whale)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUYDqJyhXoU
Mitchell who hit her first break with the film Pitch Black in 2000 plays the character of Isabelle Sorenson, a young woman with Asperger syndrome who’s the love interest of another aspie in Donald Morton (played by Josh Hartnett).
4. Claire Danes (Temple Grandin)
Claire Danes who has been in the Hollywood spotlight for her turns on television (homeland) and film (Terminator 3) made her biggest impact in our autism community when she starred in the 2010 HBO Film Temple Grandin. Danes won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Best Actresses for her portrayal of Dr. Grandin.
3. Taylor Richardson (Jack of The Red Hearts)
Taylor Richardson is one of the newest actresses out there on the circuit but is making big waves with her portrayal of a child with autism in the indie film Jack of The Red Hearts directed by Janet Grillo who is well known for her 2011 film Fly Away also focused on autism.
2. Diane Kruger (The Bridge)
Hollywood star Diane Kruger (National Treasure, Inglorious Bastards) took on the role of a detective with Aspergers on FX’s hit show The Bridge. Even though the show only lasted two seasons, Kruger’s portrayal from week to week showed different sides of what someone on the autism spectrum can go through. Kruger had help with her role through Alex Plank, a young adult on the autism spectrum who was asked to help consult on the show.
1. Louisa Krause (Jane Wants a Boyfriend)
Finally, Louisa Krause (Young Adult, Martha Marcy May Marlene) took on the lead role as Jane, a young adult with aspergers who is trying to find love in New York City in the indie film Jane Wants a Boyfriend. Krause received help with her portrayal from Kerry Magro a young adult on the autism spectrum on the role co-starred with mega-celebrity Eliza Dushku in the film.
