Fifteen-year-old Billy has a Maine accent, an abiding love for
KISS, and a crush on a girl who works in a diner. He’s also a
badass: “I know I’m unique. I don’t let it go to my head.” Billy
was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome—a highly verbal disorder
on the autism spectrum—after the film was finished, and some have
accused the filmmakers of exploiting their subject. But Billy
the Kid lets you see the character first and his autism second.
It’s a terrific documentary. (SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St,
633-7151. $8–$10, 7:30 pm, Jan 11–17.)

Annie Wagner is The Stranger's former film editor. She was born and raised in Capitol Hill, but has since lived in such far-flung locales as Phoenix, AZ, Charlottesville, VA, and Wedgwood. After graduating...