When Christopher Murray was born he suffered oxygen deprivation which resulted in his autism, although 51 years ago this was a ‘disorder’ still to be recognized by the medical profession. His mother Janice always aware that Christopher was ‘different’, and lacking any sound advice or help, was determined that with immense amounts of love she could give him a near normal life.
Christopher is the subject of this documentary written, directed and produced by his older brother Tom, but the story starts much earlier. The Murray clan were a wealthy NY family with a large Park Avenue Apartment and a beach house in Southampton. Money bought them status and privilege but not happiness or good health. Grandfather Murray suffered with a bipolar disorder (gently known in those days as ‘melancholia’) and drunk himself to death by 37. Christopher’s father, Thomas Murray 11, by all accounts a very cold aloof man also suffered from depression and lost all the family money before he drowned aged 52.
Despite the father’s many faults he is remembered fondly by Christopher who, when prompted to explain where he think’s he now is, declares so definitely that his father is up in heaven with Richard Nixon. His explanation for this is that although his father was a very committed Democrat and absolutely hated the President, up in heaven everyone is friends and the two of them are probably now playing poker.
Christopher’s daily routine is mundane and strictly regimented with the two simple jobs he works at, but somewhere along the line he took a notion to start drawing and painting. Like other autistic people his rather unique and stylized work showed wonderful symmetry and remarkable freshness and very soon he a small piece he gave to an acquaintance was spotted by a very enamored Gloria Vanderbilt who linked him up with a NY Gallery for his first one man show.
This simple touching story is told through a wealth of home movies and contemporary interviews. Whilst it may not be as extraordinary as the deeply moving MARWENCOL it is nevertheless a heartwarming account of a journey of a man who not only succeeded in overcoming his disorder, but who now seems so much happier and focused than his other siblings.
First shown on Showtime last year, the movie is now available on DVD.
★★★★★★★
Click for Trailer
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