Good Bad Things breaks barriers and earns accolades
by Erin Saxon, FSHD Society
In August, we shared exciting news about Good Bad Things, a film that promised to challenge perceptions about disability. Since then, post-production was completed, and the film has been making waves in the festival circuit. The movie breaks new ground with star Danny Kurtzman, who lives with FSHD, and brings an authentic voice to the conversation about disability representation in cinema. The story is also heavily inspired by Danny’s decades-long friendship with Shane Stanger, the film’s director.
Good Bad Things’ significance to the FSHD Community is multifaceted: Steve Way, actor and writer with muscular dystrophy known for the Hulu series "Ramy,” serves as the film's executive producer. Glee actor and FSHD advocate, Max Adler also appears in the film.
With its sold-out premiere at Slamdance Film Festival in February, the film has already garnered attention and acclaim, taking home both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award. Danny Kurtzman reflects on the experience: “The reactions were exactly what you want from a movie like this… crying in the right moments and laughing in the right moments."
Danny and Shane recently joined Tim Hollenbeck on FSHD Radio: Straight Talk to discuss Good Bad Things. During their conversation, Danny shared his thoughts on what is currently missing from stories about disability: “We feel moved, but I feel like not in a powerful, positive way. It (disability) is always like a deficit or an inspiration or we feel like we can't connect because it's so externalized from what our real lives are, which I believe isn't the truth. We as disabled people are powerful, and we are perfect in our own way.”
The duo also discussed how they came up with the story, the filmmaking process, as well as the experience of seeing their project finally in front of an audience. Shane explained to Tim, “We wouldn't be pushing as hard as we're about to if we didn't see the audience and how they reacted, and I think when you're actually watching a film with a group of people you can understand the reactions a whole lot better than just sending it to people.”
Good Bad Things continues to make its mark on the festival circuit; it’s nominated for more awards and will feature at film fests throughout the spring, including the Mammoth Film Festival on March 2nd. The film has already received distribution offers, hinting at a promising future for wider audience access. The success of Good Bad Things and its role in challenging the status-quo of disability representation in the film industry has us cheering and eagerly awaiting more news—we have a feeling there are even more “good things” in store for Danny and Shane.
Watch the full interview below or listen on your podcast app. You can also watch the trailer here.
I had the muscles attached to my shoulder blades and some in my upper stomach which were not functioning since birth, but I did not know the reasons until my twin brother had a boy with severe FSHD diagnosed.at 12 years of age; that is when I found out my problem. Note: I have no children.
I notice FSHD problems surfacing with pendant feet at 30 and it progressed up my leg up to above my knees, which at 65 it started making mounting stairs difficult to climb.
I am now 80 and I have adapted things around the house with a lift chair, a ramp and a stair with 3 inches steps and handrails to access the house. Also, I wear orthosis to lift the ends of my feet.
I can still walk with caution on flat surface and slight slope; but I cannot lift myself anymore if I fall. What allows me to still walk is that my upper leg muscles are only little affected, like every other FSHD. I still have my independence and I adapt as it slowly progress.
Remi Laforest