"Mr. Twister" is most effective in its open indictment of the perceptions of autism. Rather than being confronted by a character like Dustin Hoffman in "Rain Man", Brian is seen as a normal guy who, though he may have trouble explaining himself, is dedicated to his artwork. "Mr. Twister" focuses on the immense focus and creativity that can grow out of autism and Brian explains that, if anything, his disorder has helped his craft. Rather than being limited by the confines of his disease, Brian has used it to his lucrative and fulfilling advantage. Interesting camera-work and a strong sense of narrative highlight both Brian's story and his artwork and chip away at the deeply misguided assumptions of autism.
Brian's story is one that demands to be told and I am glad to see that this film was made. Just as "Rain Man" focused on the unique talents that often define autistics, "Mr. Twister" also highlights Brian's unique artistic abilities and his own belief that they are not only a product of his autism, but bettered by it. Just in the brief span of the short film, Brian becomes an immensely likable character and we the audience see him as a talented artist rather than a man who suffers under the confines of autism.
"Mr. Twister" should not only be lauded for drawing attention to an artist with autism, but also for drawing attention to an artist who creates unconventional work and has furthered the medium by utilizing materials usually not considered appropriate. The fact that Brian creates his work with twist ties, markers, and other household items shows the ways in which the art world is changing as well. Brian, perhaps fueled by his autism, is not limited to a canvas with paint nor the usual methods and compounds of sculpture. Rather, he has taken seemingly useless and uninspiring materials and created real art out of them.
"Mr. Twister" challenges the accepted perceptions of autism and art by looking into the mind of a man who sees the world differently and, as a result, changes our minds as well.