Activity
Visual Impairment: Scent of a Woman (Movie)
Est. Time: 2 Hours Viewing/45 Minutes Class Time
Objective
Explore how individuals with visual impairments are sometimes portrayed in media.
Synopsis
On break from preparatory school, Charlie agrees to look after Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a veteran with a visual impairment, to earn extra money. Frank is a cantankerous and cynical bully but surprises Charlie with tickets to New York for a wild weekend.
For Your Information
To learn more about visual impairments, visit:
- Visual Impairment, Including Blindness (Center for Parent Information and Resources)
- American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Activity
View the following movie and be prepared to discuss the questions below in class.
Title: Scent of a Woman (1992)
Studio: MCA
- What common mistake does Charlie make repeatedly while trying to help Frank get around?
- How do you think Frank’s loss of sight impacts his behavior or mood?
- Explain the relationship between Frank’s disability and his depression.
- Imagine that you are a member of Frank’s family.
- What would you do to help prevent or mitigate his depression?
- What additional support systems do you think would be beneficial?
- Frank’s blindness does not seem to limit his ability to do whatever he wants.
- In your opinion, which parts of the movie realistically portray an individual who is blind?
- Which parts of the movie are Hollywood exaggerations?
