Mozart and the Whale is a 2005 drama about a young cab driver, Donald Morton (Josh Hartnett), who suffers from Asperger's syndrome and maintains a support group for other people afflicted with the disorder. The autistic-like symptoms of Asperger's include extreme difficulty in communicating with others in a normal way. Ironic statements and sarcasm are difficult for those with Asperger's syndrome, and Donald spends a lot of time with his pet birds and managing his support group, shying away from others. One day the sign-up sheet includes a new name, Isabelle (Rahda Mitchell). Not as shy as Donald, but suffering even greater difficulties with other people, Isabelle and Donald form a tentative bond. Through their mutual understanding of each other's struggles, they try to help each other cope but still face the day-to-day difficulties of the world. Mozart and the Whale is directed by Petter N''ss and is written by Ron Bass, the screenwriter of Rain Man.moreless