Director Stephen Frears paints a bleak and cynical picture of the ordinary Brit's ability to relate to someone less fortunate in this hard-hitting look at the world of the mentally handicapped. Walter played by Ian McKellen is a kind-hearted man who is mentally challenged. Walter's parents are remote and insensitive to him; his mother is constantly saying things that are cutting, and his father pays more attention to his pigeons than his son. Walter, however, loves the pigeons since they're only living beings in his life who are not hurtful. One day, tragedy strikes and Walter has to be interned in a mental institution. Paradoxically, his desire to help others finally finds an outlet there.