My Left Foot is no exception to this fact. The most incredible thing about the life of Christy Brown is that it serves as a true testament to the power of the mind and human will. Daniel Day Lewis rightfully won an Oscar from his portrayal of the Northern Irishman, going to extreme lengths to stay in character and quite literally adopting the condition’s inhibiting traits for the duration of production. Not only did this confirm his reputation as a devoted method actor, but it also spoke volumes for the cerebral palsy community.
Between the real man and the filmic depiction, the story of Christy Brown is one of victory, shattering the confines of a broken body in search of knowledge and artistic freedom. The disease is horrific and scarcely imaginable, but My Left Foot is a triumphant ideal worth striving towards. The film regards its protagonist with as much class and care as he does his paintings. Imagine not being able to use any limb apart from your left foot, but with an undeniable skill to be able to paint such compelling and awe-inspiring artwork.
Not only this, Daniel Day Lewis’ Christy Brown also possesses a keen intellect, and is a man who is sensitive, caring and attentive. He is smart and, when you consider his upbringing around working-class Belfast, has risen far beyond physical and social boundaries. You could say he is a shining example of what it means to overcome adversity. The real-life story is one that is hard to believe, but one every disabled person can aspire towards – the film simply told it to the world.
