Mozart and the Whaleby Anonymous

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January 13, 2007: Petter Næss is a well established Norwegian director who is making is American debut with a sensitive, charming, endearing, warmly humorous love story between two wonderful people who just happen to have Asperger's Syndrome - a form of autism that impedes interpersonal relationships because of patterned responses to a world that is frighteningly challenging. We will be seeing more of this man's work! With a screenplay written by the talented Ronald Bass we the audience are introduced to the world of 'paranormal' people whose complex afflictions alienate them from the 'normal' world - and therein lies one of the beauties of the film: what is the definition of normal? Donald Morton (Josh Hartnett) is a bright mathematical genius recently graduated from college but whose impairment from Asperger's Syndrome keeps him from maintaining taxi cab driver jobs. He is kind and caring and has organized a group of similarly afflicted lonely people whose epicenter is the safety of Donald's group. The members of this group are beautifully enacted by Allen Evangelista, Sheila Kelley, Erica Leerhsen, John Carroll Lynch, Nate Mooney, Rusty Schwimmer, and Robert Wisdom. Into this group comes the very beautiful and flaky Isabelle (Radha Mitchell) whose joie de vivre enhances the mood of the group and captures the eye of Donald. They begin a tenuous courtship hampered by their inherent fears and frustrations but gradually they bond. Isabelle sees how bright Donald is and helps him get a job analyzing computer glitches for a kind employer (Gary Cole). They find a house to make a home but when Donald begins to strive for a 'normal life', Isabelle is threatened and they part ways - until they discover their own special place in the world. The script is rapid-fire, laced with reality checks on Asperger's Syndrome, but more important it gives a credible story between two people. Both Josh Hartnett and Rhada Mitchell make these two characters completely believable. Nothing is pushed over the edge, largely due to the warmth and intelligence of their performances under Næss's direction. For those who have labeled Hartnett as just a pretty boy destined to play shallow roles a surprise in store: Hartnett really CAN act and hopefully he will continue to seek roles such as Donald and climb the ladder of success based on talent instead of just looks. Rhada Mitchell further proves her importance as one of today's important talents. This is a heartwarming story, an educational film for those unfamiliar with Asperger's Syndrome, and an opportunity to witness some fine ensemble acting. Grady Harp