Brain Injury Dialogues

In between impressionistic rotoscoped sequences, four adults discuss their widely diverse experiences in this compelling documentary about brain injuries, one of the most common—and least understood—forms of disability. As narrator/co-director Rick Franklin notes, “One key feature of brain injuries is that no two are alike.” Although the symptoms vary, the most common appear to be memory loss and a lack of focus. Impaired from a car accident, Franklin—a member of Oakland's East Bay Brain Injury Support Group—becomes disoriented whenever he steps outside, so he can't drive, and he also hasn't held a steady job for 15 years. Co-directed by Lyell Davies, Brain Injury Dialogues also introduces us to Dirk Neyhart, who lost his sight as a result of a stabbing and speaks in a halting manner (“I talk funny”) but lives an independent life, as does Harvey Rabbit, the victim of a horse trampling. Nani Lofstrom needs homecare after suffering a blow to the head during a fire that led to a coma, followed by 13 years of homelessness. Nani didn't originally receive a brain injury diagnosis, partly because she hesitated to discuss her neurological problems, saying, “I just thought I was crazy.” The directors also speak with Zona Roberts, mother of disability rights activist Ed Roberts, and follow their subjects to physical rehabilitation and cognitive therapy sessions. DVD extras include a speech by Dr. Mark Sherry (a brain injury survivor and specialist), and deleted scenes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)