I am Sam (2002)

Excellent Movie

Very emotional moving movie. Definitely good for those who wish to get a glimpse into the life of those who are mentally challenged. December 23, 2008

Simply Wonderful

"All I wanted was a place to sleep," those were the last words Rebecca, a homeless woman, said to Sam before leaving him with their newborn daughter, directly after birth. I am Sam (2001) stars Sean Penn as Sam, a mentally handicapped father with the mental capasity of a seven year old, and Dakota Fanning, as Lucy, who has recently turned seven. She started holding herself back to school to stop herself from becoming smarter than her father. The question the movie asks is, can Sam raise his daughter despite his disability?
And that is the question asked by the court after taking Lucy away from Sam on her seventh birthday. Throughout the trial the state is trying to prove that Sam is an unfit father, but the film shows how other families are dysfunctional, especially Sam's lawyer, Rita Harrison. She learned a lot from Sam, the value of love and family.
This film was not only a real tear-jerker but also included comic relief by Sam's close knit group of friends. Dakota Fanning delivered an amazing performance, especially for a seven year old. She shows so much motion and it never feels fake or forced. Her character is smart, mature, and deeply loves her father, and Fanning shows all of these qualities.
I am Sam is littered with Beatles references, from the soundtrack to the names of characters. The soundtrack consists almost completely of Beatles remakes by various artists, which saves us from monotony. Lucy and Rita both get their names from Beatles songs, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" and "Lovely Rita", and Rita's last name, Harrison, refers to Beatles guitarist George Harrison. Also, when Lucy was a newborn, Sam pins her diaper with a Lennon pin, they walk across the street with balloons, resembling the cover of "Abbey Road" and well as many others. Sam is a Beatles fan but when overwhelmed, he refers to Beatles facts. For example, when Sam was being questioned in court he becomes frustrated and started speaking about why the Beatles broke up.
It was well filmed and well-written. The lighting set the tone for the film. In scenes before Lucy was taken from Sam, it was bright, sunny and colorful. Later, in the court room scenes, it was dark, gray and dismal. The costumes also show this. When Sam and Lucy are still together Lucy wears very bright clothing with patterns and even Sam's wardrobe is more colorful. In court, everyone wears dark, gray clothing that seems to have harsher edges. Dutch angle and a shaky, out of focus camera show us Sam's frustration and confusion.
I highly recommend this film. The acting is amazing, the plot keeps one on the edge of one's seat and is full of emotion. I am Sam leaves viewers hanging with an ambiguous ending and a dilemma. We want Lucy and Sam to stay together, but know that Sam is unable to provide for her by himself.
December 10, 2008

Sean Penn is amazing

I've never seen this movie before, but my mum was practically giving it away (she's running out of space) so I grabbed it, and just happened to be in the mood for it. Instead of letting it sit and gather dust until I happen to be in the mood for it. Like most of my "to watch" pile is.

I Am Sam is one of those gems of movies that just has to be seen. From the sweetness of Sam, to the sarcasticness of Michelle Pfeiffer, to Dakota Fanning's debut film role. Each character has a role to fill, and the film could have so failed miserably, but each star makes their role special. Sean was unbelievable as Sam, although there are influences from Rain Man. He captures every emotion perfectly, of a bewildered father, from putting on a nappy (with badges), to reading to his daughter, to trying to work out life without her. And trying to deal with making coffees for demanding customers.

He has a kind of support network around him. His developmentally disabled friends, and Dianne Wiest as his neighbour, they help him raise Lucy each in their own unique way.

When Sam gets accidentally arrested, he needs a lawyer, preferably a lawyer that will work for $8 an hour, which is what he earns. Enter Rita, a woman who's husband works late every night, a son is stuck in the middle of warring parents, and a demanding job. She initally struggles with Sam, but by the end of the movie, her eyes have been opened, after having an almost breakdown of sorts and she gets shot of her no good husband.

I'm not sure about the soundtrack to the film, mainly featuring other artists singing Beatles tracks. I'm not old enough to remember the Beatles in their hey day, and I didn't grow up with my parents listening to their music, so that whole theme to the movie was a bit lost to me. Quite a few Beatles references are there and I guess it would mean much more to a Beatles fan. I just wasn't keen on it.

I do think there should have been more in the background of Dianne Wiest's character, as there's only a small revelation late in the movie, but I'm not sure if that would have detracted from the movie. I would have liked to have found out more about her anyway.

It's an extremely hard film to watch at times, but I would definitely recommend it, for Sean Penn's role alone. He was amazing, and you can see a lot of research went into the movie. I would highly recommend this movie, you can't not see this movie. November 21, 2008

At least a whole box of tissues...

What a movie! The themes of love and loss, the underdog who wins in the end. The bullies who torment the sweet underdog are the stuff of legend.

This movie is full of archetypal images. But mostly it is about love!

All You Need Is Love!

Gonna keep this short and sweet because lots of other people have already reviewed it.

1. The acting is wonderful
2. The script is good as well, obviously fairly unrealistic
3. It is a real feel good movie
4. I fell in love with Sam when he was naming his baby from The Beatles song
5. I cried my eyes out the entire time
6. It was cool seeing Data in a bit part and the Lady of the Evening also being a cast member of Next Gen was great as well

Buy it. I guarantee you'll watch again and again! Just make sure you have lots of tissues on hand! October 20, 2008

Dakota's auspicious debut

Films about the developmentally disabled often border on ridiculous and demeaning. There are a few exceptions: Cuckoo's Nest & Rain Man immediately come to mind, and not to forget What's Eating Gilbert Grape (where Leonardo was nothing short of flawless). I Am Sam is such a film, with Sean Penn giving a thorough, heart-felt (and highly lauded) performance. There are issues, however, and the only time he really has to prove his 7-year old mentality is the perfectly uncomfortable temper tantrum he has at Bob's Big Boy. Michelle Pfeiffer is also excellent as a personally conflicted high-priced lawyer, who has enough problems of her own, while helping poor Sam. I won't blab away the plot, other than a disabled man is trying to retain custody of his daughter. There are so many wonderful performances in this film, including a cache of Sam's supportive cronies, also with various disabilities. Among these, Doug Hutchison (The Green Mile) finally has a role worthy of his talents, albeit it a minor role. I would like to see him more often. Wonderful supporting roles from Dianne Wiest, Richard Schiff, Loretta Devine and the always reliable Laura Dern are perfect. Most stunning is the intuitive, confident and complete performance of young Dakota Fanning (nominated by SAG). Children often see things that we "grown-ups" aren't in tune with; she's a smart, loving daughter who's all too aware that dad isn't "normal", and when her intelligence surpasses his, she is afraid; such a loving performance, and so natural. Director Jessie Nelson is all too aware of the sensitivity involved. The DVD extras are plentiful and insightful. This is truly a labor of love. Even at 2¼ hours, I was never bored. This controversial subject matter will always concern viewers regarding it's sensitivity level. In Ms. Nelson's hands, one must not worry about that. Well researched and well presented, I recommend "I Am Sam" to everyone who can appreciate a good story about a subject that many people choose to avoid. October 20, 2008

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