Ben X

2007 Belgian film

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Theatrical release poster

Directed by	Nic Balthazar
Written by	Nic Balthazar
Screenplay by
Story by
Based on	Nothing Was All He Said by Nic Balthazar
Produced by	Peter Bouckaert
Starring	Greg Timmermans, Laura Verlinden
Narrated by
Cinematography	Danny Elsen

Ben X is a 2007 Belgian drama film directed by Nic Balthazar, based on his own novel Nothing Was All He Said. The film explores themes of autism spectrum disorder, bullying, and the impact of video games on reality.

Plot

The film follows Ben, a young man with Asperger syndrome, who finds solace in the online game ArchLord. Ben's life is a constant struggle with bullying at school, where he is misunderstood and mistreated by his peers. His only escape is the virtual world, where he feels empowered and in control.

As the bullying intensifies, Ben's mental state deteriorates, leading him to devise a plan to escape his tormentors. The film interweaves scenes from Ben's real life with his experiences in the game, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Themes

Ben X addresses several important themes:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder: The film provides a portrayal of a protagonist with Asperger syndrome, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Bullying: It depicts the severe impact of bullying on mental health and the lengths to which victims might go to escape their situation.
• Virtual Reality: The film explores the role of video games as a refuge for those who feel alienated in the real world.

Production

Ben X was shot in various locations in Belgium, with a focus on creating a visually compelling narrative that reflects Ben's internal struggles. The film's director, Nic Balthazar, drew from his own experiences and research to craft an authentic story.

Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of autism and its innovative storytelling techniques. It won several awards, including the Grand Prix des Amériques at the Montreal World Film Festival.

Also see

• Autism in film
• Bullying in popular culture
• Video games in film
• Asperger syndrome