That’s What I Am (Michael Pavone 2011): USA

Reviewed by Ulrika Bjorck at Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2011

I went to see That’s What I Am with no expectations at all. To be honest I hadn’t even heard about it. But I had the great opportunity to see this fantastic movie at the world premiere last Wednesday, the 2^nd of February, in the historic Arlington Theatre. Almost everyone in the cast was present and the theatre was completely filled. I really enjoyed the story, and as I left the theater at the end of it, I actually felt like I had learned something. I think everyone should see it because of its important content; everybody has to have the right to be who they are and to be themselves. And that’s what this film is all about.

We get to follow 12-year old Andy Nichol (played by Chase Ellison), who is a bright student in a school in a small town during the 60s. Andy is not really one of the “cool” kids, but neither is he an outcast. He is probably just an ordinary boy that does everything he can to fit in to the model of how to behave, look and act. At school every kid has the same favorite teacher; Mr. Simon. Mr. Simon is a middle-aged man that tries to do everything he possible can to prevent bullying and make school a fun and meaningful place to be at. But it is not always easy to do make that happen when there are always some kids that don’t know good manners. One day a rumor is spread over the school that Mr. Simon is, I quote; “a homo”. Mr. Simon (excellently performed by Ed Harris), neither wants to deny or verify the rumors; obviously because he doesn’t believe his sexuality has anything to do with his ability to learn. He know he is a good teacher, and that is all that matters. But soon parents start to protest about having him teach their kids because of what he is; they want to see him kicked out of school.

One of the first things we get to see in this film is when Mr. Simon stands in front of the class and writes on the board: Human dignity + compassion= PEACE. This is his recipe for how to make our earth a better place for everyone. Even though it’s pretty simple and not very hard to figure out on your own, I just thought it was the perfect way to put it. Because it really is true. It is not that big of a change each and every one of us has to do to make life easier for so many people. The main thing is to let everyone of us be who we are, we are all different, and that is something that will never change. It is ok to be different. This important message is what they point out in this film. And it’s impossible not to be touched by it.

To wrap it up; I definitely have to recommend others to see this movie. Not only because of its important message, that director Michael Pavone has managed to capture very well, but also because of the excellent acting. I’m so impressed of all of these young kids starred in this film, they´re doing such a good and believable job.