That's What I Am
A coming-of-age story set in 1965 that follows 12-year-old Andy Nichol (Chase Ellison), a bright student who, like most kids his age, will do anything to avoid conflict for fear of suffering overwhelming ridicule and punishment from his junior high school peers. Everyone's favorite teacher, Mr. Simon (Ed Harris), pairs Andy with the school's biggest outcast and social pariah, Stanley, aka "Big G" (Alexander Walters), on a critical term project. Sporting thick orange hair, a head too big for his body and ears too big for his head, "Big G" has been the object of ridicule since grade school. Before long, Andy will learn that there was truly a method behind Mr. Simon's madness as to why he teamed these two up. As the story unfolds, Mr. Simon finds himself the target of a malicious rumor after Principal Kelner (Amy Madigan) suspends a school bully for brutally beating up a female classmate whom he thinks has "cooties." When Andy watches "Big G" fearlessly confront the school bully, a series of events are triggered which change the lives of both young men - and their teacher - forever. Much to Andy's surprise, "Big G" is a brilliant, kind, tolerant and decent human being who has more dignity than anyone Andy has ever encountered.
Screening Date:
Feb 05, 2011
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.5% | 37.0% | 16.4% | 12.3% | 2.7% |
"I am so happy to see a film that shows how important a teacher is in developing ethics and morality in students. There is more to teaching than Reading Scores. Dignity, compassion and tolerance are lessons that can be taught at school. Thank-you for this beautiful film.”
"I liked this movie!”
"Show the movie at a school teacher conference. Being a bully is very relevant as news reports show.”
“Charming movie. What happened to Mr. Simon after leaving school?”
“Important subject, but the characters were like comic book icons – no depth or dimension – too single-purposed and obvious. The acting was terrible and the hashing of sensitive subjects simplistic.”
“I enjoyed it on many levels. It pushed the lesson a bit hard.”
“The background sound was far too loud.”
“I felt as if this was a film that is in conflict with what goes on in schools in 21st century. The only relevancy was that bullying is a major concern. The film accurately depicted schools in the 1960’s except for the seeming harmony of races.”
“As a film, this evokes emotions everyone can relate to, be they student or teacher. That alone makes it important. I wish the very important topic had not been so heavily pounded on. Technically the disconnect between kid speak of the 90’s being used by kids of the 60’s was jarring.”
“Wonderful cast and acting.”
“The movie brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat, but the question remains: why is there such a need for dealing with these injustices?”
“Any teacher who reads aloud to the class gets an A+ in my book! Bullying has always been a timely issue and certainly is now. We need more reminders like this wonderful movie.”
“Touched many!”
“Heartwarming coming-of-age story. Homosexuality handled very well. We can all learn by examples shown both good and bad. Thank-You.”
“Time wounds all heels!”
“A charming and heartfelt story beautifully executed.”
“With everything in the open where was the administration in dealing with some of these kids?”
“Nice story, good acting, great message.”
"THAT’S WHAT I AM is an eminently watchable, sweet and inspiring movie about coming of age, to be like Andy, Stanley, Norman and Mr. Simon.”
“Although the setting is 40 years ago the issues of homophobia and bullying still last. The film is wonderful for young people and adults. It’s a winner.”
“I enjoyed the movie. It should be shown in the schools for bullying and standing for your ideas. It would have been a good TV movie.”
“Amateurish.”
“I loathed the music that told the viewer how to feel depending on the scene. The narration pulled this film together. Reminded me of Jean Shepard’s A CHRISTMAS STORY.”
“As a teacher, I am so grateful for this movie. As a human being, I loved it.”
“The writer should have taken Mr. Simon’s advice and avoided melodrama.”
“Throw back to a LEAVE IT TO BEAVER days, but with a serious message. This film is a must for all students and teachers to deal with tolerance.”
“I thought it was a superficial discussion. Many very important issues in today’s educational climate."
“I’ve worked in schools where wonderful male teachers were targeted as being pedophiles when there was absolutely no truth to the accusations.
“Loved that the film dealt with bullying, differences and mostly integrity. Bravos to Ed Harris not yielding to pressure.”
“Had my attention every moment.”
"TV’s WONDER YEARS revisited. Interesting that blacks seemed so accepted in the community while the idea of homosexuality was verboten. Andy came out amazingly well considering his dad. Thanks goodness for his mom. (I’ll bet that dad was a bully as a kid!) P.S. I thought Stanley was cute!”
“I liked it. It is not too unsophisticated for NY!”
“The subject was outdated and contrived. Does not relate to today’s time for big city schools.”
“Enjoyed the introductory footage. Issues continue today with different intensity. Ed Harris did a fine acting job, as usual. Message of tolerance appropriate. Some emotional moments.”
“Great topic, but a bit weakly written and plotted. More like a TV episode than a big screen film. Flubs: The “right to remain silent” came out the following year - Miranda decision – 1966 – better fact checking needed in a film on education”
“This was a pretty effective nostalgia piece, but the shortcoming of a 1st person narrator is the limited vision. The same general story might have been better and more fully elicited by an omniscient telling. The acting was not great.”
“So relevant! Message of tolerance.”
“The only flaw was the credits. Too loud, needs to be redone. Was surprised that I have not seen most of the actors in movies (except Ed Harris).”
“Great movie! Kids were absolutely fabulous! Casting was perfect! A breath of fresh air, especially after last week’s film.”
“I loved it. It reminded me of the TV show THE WONDER YEARS, but better!”
“The uniqueness of each individual has been given the honor it deserves in this film.”
“I wanted to like this film. 1965 was not that integrated nor tolerant. Ed Harris was really good.”
“An excellent treatment of a common subject brought to universal level. The film treats problems that have always existed. Bullies have not gone from schools, even today.”
“Despite earmarks of a Hallmark Movie of the week the film had a way of growing on me. Should be shown in schools with discussion.”
“Very sweet, simple and thoughtful film. Although the message is not original and the outcome predictable, I think it is a worthwhile and enjoyable film. At a time when teachers are under attack, it is welcome!”
“It is timely to have a good movie against bullying. I liked this film and agree it should be shown at all schools.”
“Ed Harris’ acting was so genuine, no overacting. He was superb. The picture sent a message of hope.”
“This film is a personal journey for me. I was the one with kooties and my brother was heavy set and a foot taller than his classmates…and always picked on. Also, my HS chemistry and physics teacher is a gay man…and the best and most passionate teacher in the school. Not even knowing what gay or homo meant, this dear man is still afraid to come to my HS reunions because of the physically violent homophobia he suffered at the hands of some dumb jocks.”
