Little Man Tate

Little Man Tate is a 1991 movie that tells the story of Fred Tate (Adam Hann-Byrd), a seven-year-old boy prodigy who struggles to fit in with other children. The movie is directed by Jodie Foster, who also stars as his mother, Dede Tate, and features Dianne Wiest as Jane Grierson, a former child prodigy who becomes Fred's mentor.

The movie starts with Dede Tate trying to cope with her son's genius, which sets him apart from other children his age. As Fred gets invited to join a school for gifted children, Dede struggles to decide whether this is the best path for him or not. She is torn between wanting to nurture his talent and letting him be a child.

Fred, meanwhile, is eager to learn everything and anything. He spends his time reading books, learning calculus, and playing classical music. He has an extraordinary photographic memory and can remember everything he's ever read or seen. Despite his intelligence, Fred is still a child and wants nothing more than to make friends and fit in with his peers.

Enter Jane Grierson, a former child prodigy who sees herself in Fred. She reaches out to Dede, offering to mentor the child and help him navigate the world of gifted children. Jane takes Fred under her wing and exposes him to a whole new world of possibilities. Through her, he discovers the joys of learning for the sake of learning and finds a kindred spirit who understands him.

As Fred's mentorship with Jane continues, Dede starts to worry that she is not doing enough for her son. She fears that he is growing up too fast and missing out on a normal childhood. Her concerns come to a head when Fred meets a girl his age who he wants to be friends with. Dede's anxiety over Fred's academic success begins to affect their relationship, and she realizes that she needs to learn to let go and let Fred be himself.

The movie explores the themes of intelligence, childhood, parenting, and finding one's place in the world. It touches on the importance of nurturing one's talents while still allowing room for play and imagination. The movie also depicts the emotional struggles that parents of gifted children face, and the pressure to raise exceptional children.

The acting in the movie is solid, with standout performances by Jodie Foster and Adam Hann-Byrd. Foster delivers a nuanced portrayal of a mother torn between her desire to protect her child and her wish to see him succeed. Hann-Byrd is perfectly cast as Fred and manages to convey his character's intelligence and vulnerability with ease. Dianne Wiest is also excellent in her role as Jane, the former child prodigy who takes Fred under her wing.

The direction by Foster is competent, and she manages to create a believable, compelling world for these characters. The cinematography is understated but effective, and the film's score perfectly complements the story.

Overall, Little Man Tate is a heartfelt, poignant movie that explores the complexities of raising a gifted child. It is a movie that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in or who has struggled to find their place in the world. It is a movie that celebrates the beauty of human intelligence, while still acknowledging the importance of play and imagination. If you love character-driven dramas that delve deep into human emotions, then Little Man Tate is a must-see.