Comm424,Murderball

The 2005 film Murderball takes a in depth look at the lives and actives of paraplegics, but is presented in somewhat of an unorthodox way. The movie introduces the audiences to men who compete for the United States wheelchair rugby team. Rugby, known for being a very intense and psychical sport, is taken to a entirely different level of intensity when modifying some rules and adding wheelchairs. These men who are confined to their chairs and limited to several functions in their limbs compete with such high levels of intensity and pride. The cultural assumption of people with similar conditions and people with disability is that they are weak; society places a common stereotype that dehumanizes people with a handicap like this. In the movie we observe a culture that many people may not be familiar with. The level of intensity that these men on these national teams is not different then any other professional athlete. The film allows them to express their feelings and destroy several myths that people may believe to be true. Rather then making the movie showing their daily difficulties, the producers embrace their exceptional athleticism and how they are making the best of their situation. This is highlighted through firstly sports, attitude, masculinity and even sexuality. By presenting the movie in a first person and actual life perspective, viewers are able to gain a better insight into the lives of quadriplegic, but also to destroy any preconceived notions or thought about disabilities in a broader sense.