Sensory Overload

        Normally, I am not a fan of rotoscoping, as I find the style quite jarring and disorientating. However, it is just these qualities that make it ideal for Sensory Overload, a dialogue free animation which effectively and sensitively provides a window into how an autistic person may experience the world.

        Without dialogue, Miguel Jiron places an emphasis on shot framing and audio to place the audience in the mindset of a young boy who suffers from autism, a condition that while well known remains largely misunderstood. It is one of the strengths of animation that it has the ability to present an alternate world view that would be impossible or less effective as a live action film. The way in which the imagery is manipulated, with increasingly jagged line work, and the grating audio track, reflect the increasing tension and aggravation of the young boy while simultaneously placing the viewer in a similar frame of mind. It is not a comfortable watch, but provides a deeper understanding of another person's mindset in a 2 minute film than any number of textbooks or lectures could hope to achieve.

        It is an excellent example of when we need to be shown rather than told something, and the striking film resonates long after viewing. By its very nature this is a subjective representation of autism, and no doubt there are countless other ways in which autistic people experience the world. But as a means of showing the audience what autism truly can mean and opening up a subject which many would perhaps feel more comfortable avoiding, Sensory Overload feel more honest and truthful than many supposedly factual documentaries. Where the poetic mode approach works is that this is a film dealing with emotions rather than facts, figures and statistics, so it makes sense for the message to be communicated via an emotional reaction.