Activity

Explore how individuals with an orthopedic impairment, or a physical disability, can be perceived by those without disabilities.

Detective Lincoln Rhyme sustains injuries that leave him only able to move his head and one finger, a condition that drives him to plan his own suicide. But when a serial killer begins abducting, torturing, and killing victims by impersonating a taxi driver, Rhyme is called on to help solve the case, teaming up with a sharp, young police officer named Amelia. The combination of their strengths results in a formidable partnership.

View the following movie and be prepared to discuss the questions below in class.

Title: The Bone Collector (1999)

Studio: Universal Pictures

1. This movie features a central character with a physical disability. In what ways does his disability define the character and shape the plot?
2. How do others in the film perceive the character?
3. Think about how an individual with a physical impairment is portrayed in this movie. Does this portrayal strike you as accurate? Inaccurate? Explain your answer.
4. It has become increasingly controversial for actors without disabilities to portray people with disabilities. Do you agree with this critique, and if so, did it affect how you viewed this movie?