As far as the deleted scenes are concerned, I agree that they don’t add very much. However, they do make more explicit that Isaac’s shoes are the metaphorical equivalent of Fiona’s wheelchair. Carrying on the metaphor, and applying it to us (with BIID) one sees that “It’s not about the wheelchair”. I happen to agree with this.

I greatly enjoyed QPQ. My partner, who is a writer, also enjoyed it very much. Actually she said it was “brilliant”.

I do agree with what others have said about the basement “wannabe” scene being disturbing. It certainly did not seem like an accurate portrayal of who we are. I have three specific criticisms. The characters portrayed are very dry and lifeless. In reality we are a colorful array of different personalities. The interaction with Isaac seemed very unlikely. I have friends with mobility impairments who I have asked many questions relating to their leg braces and/or wheelchairs, and how they do things. However this comes after establishing a genuine friendship based on all sorts of other things besides whatever disability they might have. They know that I care about them. They know that I am there for them to be supportive whenever they wish to vent their frustrations, or tackle deeper emotional issues which often relate to their disability. I suspect that none of us would treat someone simply as a personification of a disability. My last criticism of that scene is that we would not just get up out of our wheelchairs like that. I *never* leave my wheelchair when out in it, except to transfer to my car or a toilet. I am in the chair almost all the time at home too, excepting unfortunately when accessibility issues leave me no choice.

However, from the point at which Fiona and Isaac meet, the story becomes metaphorical. It is no longer about BIID, and so there is no literary need to maintain accuracy. BIID is simply the vehicle through which the metaphor is portrayed. I did not see intent here for anything other than metaphor. I am reminded of “No Country for Old Men”, a deeply metaphorical movie whose meaning is lost if taken literally.

Nevertheless some of the things Fiona describes do hit home. “I already am paralysed; I’m just trapped in a walking person’s body” may be a rather tired cliche taken directly from transsexual culture, but it rang true for me. I do actually forget quite often that I can walk. I have had many a moment of panic as I am parking at work. I suddenly realise that my wheelchair is not in the car, and I think I’m not going to be able to go anywhere. It is that deeply ingrained.

My partner paused the movie quite often to discuss BIID related issues. It was nice to share this with her.

For purposes of keeping the story moving, it has to be done quickly-bang here is why these people are this way. This happens in any movie.

The BBC documentary is likely the only reliable piece on BIID that will show up for some time.

The revelation of Isaac suffering hysterical paralyses is a cliche that was bound to wind up in the film. It does however make good contrast between somebody who does not want to be in a wheelchair, and Fiona who wants to be, both seem to be free to make that decision.

There is another film out there, I believe it is a student film called “Pretenders Dance”. It was shown at the Sundance Festival a few years ago.