Product Description

Starring Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell (Silent Hill, Pitch Black), Mozart and the Whale is a heartwarming, romantic drama inspired by the true story of two people with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, whose emotional dysfunctions threaten to sabotage their budding romance. Donald (Hartnett) is a good-natured but hapless taxi driver with a love of birds and a superhuman knack for numbers. Like many AS sufferers, he likes patterns and routines. But when the beautiful but complicated Isabelle (Mitchell) joins the autism support group he leads, his life-- and his heart -- are turned upside down.

Stills from Mozart and the Whale (click for larger image)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10968 in DVD
• Brand: HARTNET,JOSH
• Published on: 2007-01-01
• Released on: 2006-12-12
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French
• Dubbed in: French
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds
• Running time: 94 minutes

Amazon.com
This quirky, low-key romantic drama delves into the lives of a group of misfits intent of fitting into a world that views them as strange, demented, and (at times) retarded. A fictionalized account of a real-life couple with Asperger's Syndrome--a disorder characterized by repetitive behavior patterns and impairments in social situations--Mozart & the Whale follows the lives of shy Donald (Josh Harnett) and outgoing Isabelle (Radha Mitchell). Donald is a mathematical genius who takes things literally. Isabelle is a stunning beauty whose inability to take minor suggestions causes her to run from one relationship after another. When the two begin dating, she is the aggressor, even cleaning his pig sty of an apartment. "You can't disappoint me," she tells Donald. "Because whatever you are is exactly what I want." The movie has some sweet moments, but doesn't spend enough time delving into the challenges of being part of an Asperger's couple. The problems that they have in their relationship (insecurity, commitment and communication problems) really aren't that different from that of your "normal" couple. Hartnett and Mitchell give convincing portrayals of a complicated pair, but the film's lukewarm storyline ultimately isn't as compelling as the stars' acting abilities. --Jae-Ha Kim

Customer Reviews

Mozart & the Whale
I attended a viewing of this movie with my daughter and my friend. My reason for going was for my grandson, who has Aspergers. I found this to be very uplifting, rewarding and a little sad at times. But it is a relief to know that my grandson has a very bright future ahead of him. We also had a chance to meet Jerry, who was very entertaining and really put my fears at ease. I would suggest this movie for anyone, so they can become more informed on the subject of Aspergers.

Very touching
I saw this movie at a special screening in King of Prussia , PA . As also a mother of an aspie boy (7years old), Josh Harnett was brilliant in this and made me see what I can expect as my son gets older. This is a must see for people who are uneducated about the subject and of course for all of us who know or love someone with Asperger's.

worth seeing
Good performances, especially by Josh Hartnett, and some of it rings very true: there were a lot of things I recognized in here, as the mom of an Aspie girl. The music choices were problematic, and the film was sort of muddy-looking, but it was intelligent and worthwhile, and it offered a broader idea of autism than is usually seen in movies.