Although it may be cliche, I am going to start this article with Oxford defition of the word neurodivergent to clear up any misunderstandings on what the word means. It reads as; differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal (frequently used with reference to autistic spectrum disorders); not neurotypical.

In Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the toons are no exception to this description when it comes to living amongst the humans. Toons don’t follow the laws of physics same as a human does, so most of them live and are secluded to what is known as Toon Town to live amogst those who are like-minded. The toons are aren’t necessarily segregated as most of them are idolized as celebrities, but you can tell that they are treated quite differently.

Not only does the difference come from how their cultures function, but also how they perceive each other due to those cultures. Toons value each other based on their comedic value while humans value each other based on pure work and production. Not all toons are productive in human society and don’t act in ways that could be considered to be neurotypical. Using the main character as an example, Roger struggles to maintain a job in comedy which is his goal as a toon, but his lack of work also ostracizes him from the humans.

In the following article, I shall analyze various scenes and toon characters and see what criteria allow this group to fit as an example of neurodivergent folks and culture. Warning! Spoilers ahead!

Who Diagnosed Roger Rabbit?

Starting with Roger, as I said, he is a toon who aspires to be a famous comedian yet struggles to meet the expectations of his human production team. After a long sequence of taking on massive hazards with ease, the scene is cut when the producers nitpick on him having birds appear whizzing around his head instead of stars when he gets hit by the refrigerator. Looking at the nitpick from an outside perspective, it seems somewhat ridiculous they would halt production for such a tiny error. In some ways, this can be seen as an example of the social struggles a neurodivergent person may go through in their daily life. It can be a common feeling to have everything right, but for only one small mistake to have everything fall apart.

There is a reason given in the next scene behind Roger’s mistake and it is said best by the following quote from the human producer R.K. Maroon: “He’s a toon, you can drop anything you want on his head and he’ll shake it off. If you break his heart he goes to pieces just like you and me.” From this quote it can be understood that toons feel things deeply, sometimes to an even further extent than the average human. Roger’s worries easily overwhelm him and it is difficult for him to regulate his emotions sometimes. Even despite the differences and difficulties, there is no reason he should be looked down upon just like anyone with neurodivergence.

Looking at some of Roger’s traits, he is very excitable, distracted easily, lacks social awareness, and is optimistic. For example while hiding out in the bar, Roger did a performance for the patrons, but didn’t think of the consequences that letting himself out in public view would entail. It is rather easy to jump to the conclusion that he displays many traits of ADHD which according to NIMH is “marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” 

Also, another comedic parallel I would like to add is that Roger is shown to not feel well when he drinks any type of alcohol. Those who take medication for any type of neurodivergence are advised not to take alcohol as it does not react well with the medication. Does Roger perhaps take medication for his ADHD? We may never know.

Eddie Valiant and the Case of Stigma

From the movie’s beginning, Eddie Valiant is shown to have a strong distaste for toons. When asked if he would go and take a case in Toon Town he immediately refuses with a hint of disgust. He sees Toons as nothing but trouble and a danger.

His backstory to how he got so down in the dumps is due to his brother being killed by a toon by having a piano dropped on top of him. Eddie since then has been alone in his office no longer with a partner and taking on fewer cases as a result. This has led him to develop a prejudice or stigma against the toons as he sees them as unpredictable and dangerous.

According to “How Suspicion Feeds Stigma Against Neurodivergent People” by Katie Rose Guest Pryal, J.D., Ph.D, stigma against neurodivergent people can be defined as a process that creates negative stereotyping and isolation. In Valiant we can find that isolation doesn’t only occur to the toons but also to Eddie himself. Some of the toons seem apprehensive in approaching him when he navigates the studio as he only gives off bad energy with his dower mood. 

Another point the article brings up is those who have stigmas against the neurodivergent believe they are being disingenuous or faking it to get special treatment. If we look at this from the perspective of the toons, we know that most of them are actors. However, this does not make their feelings invalid. Even after they are done performing (which can be the neurodivergent simile for masking), they still suffer some of the effects of the gags if not physically at the very least emotionally.

Regardless, many have stigmas against those who are neurodivergent. Since they don’t function in society the same way that the majority (in this case the humans) would. the toons are sometimes looked down upon as lesser beings only meant for entertainment. Or in Eddie’s case, unstable beings who can’t be trusted. 

Throughout the movie, Eddie slowly begins to bond and see the error of his thoughts by becoming more empathetic with the toons. When he puts on a mini-comedy act to distract the Toon Patrol to save Roger and Jessica, he realizes the value that toons place in comedy and how he should do the same.

She’s Just Drawn That Way

Another character I would like to focus on is Jessica Rabbit. Aside from Roger, she is one of the leading characters in the film who is trying to help her husband find his way in the comedy industry with the other toons and avoid getting into trouble (the best he can). Jessica is shown to operate differently on a social aspect like the other toons, but she doesn’t perform comedy like most do or gags. With how she is drawn, she performs for the humans at a special club due to not fitting in well with the comedic culture of the toons.

When looking at the traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder, I believe they match Jessica. NIHM defines ASD as a disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. 

When Jessica communicates with others, she often is very restrictive in her facial expressions and tone of voice. When she approaches Eddie in his office to seek help for Roger, it is easy to misconstrue her intentions for being there. She talks mostly in a deep sultry voice and with a neutral expression. The following symptoms of ASD are listed that match in the social communication behaviors: 

  • Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
  • Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like.

There are several other instances throughout the film where Jessica’s actions are misconstrued as well. When she knocks out Roger to save him, she is suspected by Eddie of trying to cause trouble since she was seen near the culprit. Misunderstandings of course aren’t always inherently linked to ASD, but they happen enough in her actions that it can be attributed to other traits such as:

The way Jessica and Roger have their dynamics of one who is straight-laced and the other being a goofball makes them one of the most lovable couples Disney has to offer, especially since they fell in love over humor. Jessica appears not to laugh easily so Roger must be something special to her.

Doom’s Dip of Neurodiversity

Judge Doom is also another important character to be analyzed within the movie. Not only is he the main villain but he is also a toon. And since the theme of this article has been matching the toons up with various neurodivergent traits, we must ask ourselves which one most closely represents Judge Doom. Doom is a confident man who is self-assured in everything he does. He is confident enough to take over Toon Town after all and turn it into a freeway as is his plan.

He is seen taking advantage of others to achieve his goals, as seen in his gang the Toon Patrol. He isn’t the most empathetic boss towards them either, merely calling them idiots when they make mistakes as our heroes lead them off their trail. He is so preoccupied with his fantasy of destroying Toon Town, that he goes as far as to disguise himself as a human.

All these traits and more are what match Judge Doom with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. NIHM defines NPD as a complex personality disorder with a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Due to its complexity, it can be difficult to apply one affective or personality disorder to its meaning. 

NPD is known to have a lot of negative stigmas and connotations, and although Judge Doom is a villain, it does not necessarily make those who have the disorder an evil person. There are just outliers who do not seek treatments for their mental disorders which can cause stigmas to form as the one that Doom had created in Eddie by causing the death of his brother.

That’s All Folks!

Representation is always important especially when it comes to neurodivergence. Although the representation that the toons provide may not be intentional, the lens which one can view them is an important one nevertheless. Let us know if you enjoyed the article!