A Different Approach (1978) User Reviews

Still relevant (in 1999) and funny

[Brian14Leonard · 8/10 · 23 April 1999]

This is an all-star educational film about "hiring the handicapped". Michael Keaton--a good 4 or 5 years before stardom--plays a filmmaker who takes "a different approach" to educational films of this type. Several different approaches, actually, mostly "suggested" by showbiz personalities. Keaton is pretty bad, and the whole thing has a forced feeling to it--but it is still eye-opening, very funny in places, and sadly relevant. And, yes, that's Norman Lear "acting".

bittersweet

[lovetovoice · 8/10 · 28 December 2005]

I met one of the actors,thee actual employer of the disabled....he told me all about it, now, How can I order this movie for my own library??? It sounds so bittersweet and something we should all view going into a new year. Apparently Ron, my acquaintance, counseled Lear on how the disabled employees work and their feelings and thoughts on their life. He was a vital part of the project. The film won several awards for small film works and possibly a documentary category if my memory serves me well.Ron just received a copy a few weeks ago himself so was quite proud of his contribution. i would like to share in his joy by owning a copy of this. Could someone please direct me to orders?

we've made advancements in disability rights (with still a ways to go)

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 14 August 2021]

If you thought Ron Howard's "Night Shift" was Michael Keaton's debut, then you might be surprised to learn that a few years earlier he appeared in the Academy Award-nominated short film "A Different Approach", which draws attention to people with disabilities. It shows that for the most part, they're just like non-disabled people (doing so comically, I might add).

In the years since this short, there have obviously been advances made in disability rights, namely the Americans with Disabilities Act. We still have more advances to make, though. In a recent interview that I saw with Marlee Matlin - the only deaf actress ever to have won an Academy Award - she noted the importance of giving roles of disabled people to individuals with those actual disabilities, as opposed to having non-disabled people act them out.

Anyway, interesting (and funny short). Worth seeing. Available online.

Are you tired of only wondering about this?.....

[ebayheadsups · 19 August 2006]

.....then by all means let me know directly at the above e-mail address so that I may arrange for a copy for you. A true wonder with much to recommend it, including a fascinating early appearance by Michael Keaton as a socially pro-active young filmmaker trying to pitch his latest work, a curious musical designed as a plea for hiring the handicapped (or rather, the physically challenged, for those partial to being politically correct without fail). To help drive home his message on behalf of the disabled, he's recruited a motley crew of 'able' supporting characters played by the likes of Carroll O'Connor and Betty White….indeed, all playing themselves. A genuine curiosity piece that really must be seen and heard to be truly appreciated. And once seen and heard, it will never be forgotten.

Excellent film! I used it as a training film in the 80's. Is live to get my hands on a copy. Please let me know how! [e-mail]

[dori_gillam · 10/10 · 8 February 2019]

I wish it was still in circulation! It was well-thought-out and it obviously used consultants who were inclusive and who personally knew about living as someone who was differently-abled. I recommend it for all audiences - schools, work groups, discussion groups. I haven't seen it for over 30 years, so perhaps there is old language and terms, but the concept was sterling and is still much needed.