Ben is a master at an online fantasy game. Under the nom de jeu Ben X, he has reached level 80. In the world of that game he is powerful and respected. In that world he is in control of his life. He plays it each morning before he goes to school. But once he walks out the door of his house, all the power and respect vanish in the wind.
Ben has Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism. He tries to fit in. He practices smiling (even when there is nothing to smile about). He tries to do what others do so it will seem that he is alright, even though “no one will tell me exactly how to be right.” In spite of all his attempts, it is obvious to everyone that Ben is different.
There are those who call him a friend, but in reality they are his tormentors. Outside the virtual world of his game, Ben has no idea how to react to people who constantly taunt and humiliate him. Under the outer appearance of calm, however, we know that there is a growing turmoil. We know that sooner or later the agitation will have to find a release.
Throughout the film we see snips of what seem to be TV interviews with Ben’s mother, and his teachers, as they reflect back on something that happened—something they feel they should have seen coming. Ben’s mother’s first line, which opens the film, is “Someone has to die first.” In a world where teen suicides and school shootings are all too familiar events, we begin to fear for what will happen to Ben.
Ben’s experience in the virtual world shows him the way to respond to the troubles that he faces. In the virtual world, Ben X is courageous and capable. But we also see that each day, Ben must use all his courage just to get out the door each day.
In the world of the game, he does have a friend, a woman named Scarlite who is his healer. With her help, he discovers ways of creative engagement that allow him to find his way. He learns how to translate his courage imaginatively to bring not only an end to his suffering, but to bring judgment to the bullies who have made his life so miserable.
Ben X is a powerful story of the courage needed to face life and its trials. The film offers us a vision of new life that can be found when we do not give in to the forces seeking to destroy us. There are many times that we may feel impotent, as Ben does and as do many of the people around him who saw the events building, like his mother and his teachers. Sometimes it takes very creative approaches to find the power and healing that we need.
At the World Film Festival in Montreal, this film was seen by an audience for the first time. That screening was followed by a very exuberant standing ovation—far more enthusiastic than the applause that followed other films. This is indeed a rare film that combines all the elements that can make a film great—an engaging story, interesting twists and shifts, insight into the human condition and deeper meanings of life. The festival jury recognized Ben X by giving it a share of the top prize, the Grand Prix of the Americas. It was also voted the most popular film by the public.
The Ecumenical Jury at the festival awarded its prize to Ben X, saying, “Using religious imagery of the Passion of Christ, Ben X represents the possibility of a different response to violence. Afflicted more by others’ bullying and misunderstanding than by his autism, the main character responds to this violence with creative intelligence and effective use of media. The film’s stylistic innovation presents different versions of Ben’s reality in a way that thwarts spectators’ expectations and that implicates the viewer within habitual social responses to violence.”
