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Neuro Note 1: Me Before You

Me Before You


I chose to watch Me Before You for my first neuro note. I chose this movie because of the hype it has received. Critics claimed that the movie misportrayed disability. I wanted to see for myself. Although the movie is probably the saddest movie I’ve ever seen, it left me with many reflections.

Will Traynor was a successful, fun loving young man whose life was altered when he was hit by a motorcycle which resulted in a spinal cord injury. Will became depressed and felt like there was no reason to live. I think sometimes it’s too easy to just think about the physical changes when you think of SCI, but it’s important to recognize the emotional toll as well. His life was completely turned upside down and he had a difficult time dealing with it. I’m sure this is a common theme with SCI and I think it can be difficult for people to imagine.

I’ve always, from a young age, strived to treat everyone equal because you NEVER know what someone is going through.  For Will, he had physical changes that gave you an idea that he could be going through something emotionally, but for some, you can’t tell from the outside what they are going through on the inside.


Anyways, back to the movie…Louisa Clark was hired by Will’s mother as a sort of caregiver for Will, and she makes it her mission to show him that life is worth living. It’s interesting to me because she acts like somewhat of an occupational therapist. She plans things that Will enjoys doing and takes him to do those things despite the many obstacles. I enjoyed seeing Will’s attitude about life transform throughout the movie. I think that’s a big part of occupational therapy…helping people to find joy in life.



Moyes, Jojo (Screenplay), & Sharrock, Thea (Director). (2016). Me before you [Motion picture].   United States: Warner Bros.

Comments

  1. Dr. LancasterApril 24, 2017 at 11:39 AM

    "I think that’s a big part of occupational therapy…helping people to find joy in life." YES! Fantastic insight, Whitney!

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  2. UnknownApril 24, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Excellent post! I really liked this movie even though it was so emotional and sad. I believe that everyone in life experiences every single second so differently and we seem to forget that sometimes. This film not only showed what it was like living with a SCI but also the experiences of the clients loved ones. I dont know about you but the entire movie I would keep putting myself in Wills shoes, contemplating what I would do, or who I would be. Really makes you think and appreciate life.

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