By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Alexis Ostrander
Country: united_states
Year: 2012
Running time: 78
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1525571/
Bruce says: “DEFINING BEAUTY: MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA does little to deviate from the standard format for documentaries about contests. From the onset we follow the paths of five contestants who are vying for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America in 2010. This is not your typical beauty pageant, concentrating on physical conformation; this yearly event is a celebration about volunteering and advocating for the disabled. The event is also an arena for networking and sharing. In a nation where 52 million people live with disabilities one would think that most Americans would be comfortable with the topic. The truth is that most people don’t have a vague understanding of disability and disability issues. The film does an excellent job of illustrating how the contestants debunk the myth that a disabled person is either a victim or hero.
“The film follows five of the contestants and also gives us an insight into the life of the reigning queen. Alyson is from California and became wheelchair bound after a collision with a truck. She is focused on faith. Amber is from Michigan and can trace her disability to a pothole in the road. She claims she always wanted to be a model; she is a different kind now – a role model. Disability has serious effects on those around the disabled. Amber’s sister’s emotional problems were pushed to the wayside. While the family focused on Amber, her sister got heavily involved in drinking and drugs. Ana has no arms or legs. She texts constantly – using her tongue. Born in El Salvador, she now lives in Texas. Her mother took thalidomide. Her brother reacted to her disability by tearing the arms and legs off her Barbie dolls to make them more like her. Erika hails from North Carolina and has several children from more than one father. She comments on how one of the first questions a man asks is, ‘Can you still have sex?’ Santina is from New Jersey. She tells how the handicapped bathrooms on the Jersey Shore are where drunken girls go to vomit. The current title holder is married to a very attractive man. She is well-adjusted and full of life. They both race cars. He says people often used to say to him, ‘You are such an angel to date someone in a wheelchair.’ He feels lucky to be married to someone so vital.
“The first day the judges interview all the girls. The next day the girls get to parade in fancy dress before the judges. The field is narrowed to five but not without drama. A false scandal about one of the finalists is passed around in a whisper campaign. At the final stage, each finalist is required to answer a serious and a lighthearted question and …..the winner is announced.
“Unfortunately the film quality is not always great. The technical defects can be ignored. DEFINING BEAUTY: MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA opens one’s eyes to the everyday issues of the disabled. It tells its story with grace and dignity. 4.5 cats
“(DEFINING BEAUTY: MS. WHEELCHAIR AMERICA screened at the 2012 Reelabilities: NY Disabilities Film Festival.)”