#leo long

[in-love-with-movies]

I Used to Be Famous (2022)

[stardreamer28]

for those who haven’t seen this amazingly beautiful movie, go watch! it’s lightly based on the director’s cousin finding music. it includes autism, but is more about 2 young men finding brotherhood & friendship who desperately needed it <3

[neurodivergent-media]

Review of I Used to be Famous (2022)

I Used to be Famous is a comedy drama movie directed by Eddie Sternberg, about a former boyband star trying to regain his former success and befriending Stevie, a young autistic drummer.

Regarding autistic traits, Stevie speaks with a somewhat flat effect, is often blunt and speaks matter-of-factly. He gets overwhelmed by sudden loud noises and stressful situations like arguments. The drumming itself acts as a sensory tool at times, and a way to express emotion. Stevie is a talented drummer, but not a savant like is commonly portrayed in autistic characters. I found that it certainly made a change for a male autistic character to have creative rather than STEM-based special interest.

Stevie's screentime isn't devoted to seemingly running of a checklist of symptoms. He feels like a 3 dimensional character, whose autism is relevant to the plot but not in an obnoxious way or to portray him as a burden or something to gawk at.

What makes a very welcome change is that Leo Long, who plays the drummer Stevie, is autistic, and I think it really lends itself well to the depth and authenticity of his character. He is also mixed race (I think white and East Asian but there isn’t any information out there about Leo’s parents), which is a well-needed change from the inundation of white neurodivergent characters.

Vince (the protagonist) and Stevie's platonic relationship is very believable and heartwarming. Vince is a supportive character from the start - he never asks probing questions about Stevie's disability or tries to make him "normal" - and is never rude or ignorant, unlike many pieces of media when an autistic friend or family member is little more than a plot tool for the protagonist to learn and become a better person (e.g. Rain Man, Music).

There is also a well-executed plot thread regarding the relationship between Stevie and his mum Amber. Amber is protective of her son without being an "autism mom". It is obvious she truly loves him and doesn't consider him a faulty version of an imaginary "perfect" neurotypical child.

I suppose one of my very few nitpicks would be that Stevie's sensory processing issues only seem to be shown early on in the plot. It would have been interesting to see any tools like earplugs or other methods of stimming come into us at other points.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend I Used to be Famous in terms of autistic representation - a  feel-good movie that isn’t inspiration porn. It's not a film that, on its own, I'd suggest for neurotypical viewers to watch to learn more about being autistic - but to have an autistic character, played by an autistic actor, with a supportive friend and parent is a delight to watch and a welcome step in the right direction.

Trigger warnings for: brief instances of ableism (condemned by the narrative), terminal illness (I think implied cancer) and death of a family member, alcohol use, and a brief but intense scene of violence.

[m-guitguiten]

I Used to Be Famous is one of the most touching films of the year. Also, it is truly relevant, especially to artists who are struggling to go back to mainstream after a one-hit wonder, 15 minutes of fame and a period of superstardom. Moreover, that toxic management that never listens to their artists who have personal problems and preferences and control their creative freedom from growing has a shoutout here. The chemistry between Ed Skrein and Leo Long is magical and natural. Leo Long shows a graceful skill in playing an aspiring musician who has an autism spectrum disorder. Long's Stevie is the most inspiring and one you can clutch your emotions too. I think it's the scenes between Skrein and Long that made me cry because it just shouts truth and genuine display of care, love, and encouragement. This film is worth your time and prepare a box of tissues as well.

[tinyreviews]

I wanted so much to give this a Must Watch. But the ending falls short. The difference in writing between the ending and the rest of the movie is quite a gap to me.

I Used to Be Famous is a 2022 American music drama film directed by Eddie Sternberg. It stars Ed Skrein, Leo Long, Eoin Macken, Lorraine Ashbourne, Eleanor Matsuura and Neil Stuke.

[seat42f]

I USED TO BE FAMOUS Official Netflix Trailer https://seat42f.com/i-used-to-be-famous-official-netflix-trailer/

[stardreamer28]

one of my many many reviews for this film lol. I LOOOVE this movie sooo much. and when I like a movie I will watch it 50x in a row just to catch all the moments. just ask my sister lol. one of my FAVORITE moments is the times throughout the movie where Stevie & Vinnie "answer" each other back and forth through music. soo cool & fun!! I also love it ‘cause it included actors with disabilities as a “norm” standard and provided support onset for those who needed it. I enjoyed they included autism in the character but made the music and brotherhood the forefront

[thepeoplesmovies]

'This Is Your Time' In Netflix's I Used To Be Famous Trailer

'This Is Your Time' In Netflix's I Used To Be Famous Trailer Watch @netflix Trailer for I USED TO BE FAMOUS, #edSkrein #EleanorMatsuura #LeoLong

Everyone deserves a second shot at life, even those one time famous people. In the official Trailer for I Used To Be Famous, ‘this is your time’. You don’t have to be a pop expert to know there’s a boy band virtually for every day of the week. Many will last, many will disappear after one hit song. Ed Skrein is that proverbial one time boy band member looking for his second chance. Skrein is…

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