I knew 50/50 would strike a chord with me, as it's about the lead getting cancer. Several years back my Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma, and although he's found a treatment that works for him, it's never completely curable. (side note: one of the characters had lymphoma in the film, had the same name as my Dad, and AT THE SAME TIME of meeting this character, they played my Dad's favorite song in the background...WEIRD!). But putting that aside, there's a lot to be said about the movie itself.
One, I will always have an ongoing love affair with Joseph Gordon Levitt. Duh. Not only for his half-dashing, half-awkward personality; but also, for his honest acting. Most of the movie didn't make me cry...maybe because I had been there, done that? The shots of the treatment room, hospital corridors and talks in doctors offices were old ghosts that have since stopped haunting me.
But the part that made me break dowwwwwn was Joseph's acting. I couldn't keep it in. He has that rawness about him that pierces your guts with a crossbow of truth. Joseph often takes roles that showcases the most heartbreaking moments in life--for this I applaud him.
And the script was great. Not overly mushy, but completely telling of what it's like to deal with cancer. One of my favorite lines was Joseph explaining to his therapist, "It's just bullshit. It's what everyone's been saying from the beginning, like, 'Oh well you'll feel better, don't worry and this will be fine,' and it's not."
Yes. The screenwriter, he gets it. He gets what it's like to either have cancer, or have a family member who has cancer. Because people do say that, like saying something so incredibly draining, sad and morose is "fine" will make it fine. It's NOT. Dealing with a major illness can be the most trying, painful thing a family can go through, and it's not always fine.
Of course, I'm zealous about realistic movies, so I won't blabber on about that. This movie is not for everyone. Furthermore, I have no need to watch it again. Once was enough, and it's certainly not even in my Top 20 favorite movies.
However, if you're looking for an honest, and sometimes humorous portrayal of the challenges and pain of cancer--this is your flick.
i love jgl. his face. his acting. his smile. his honesty. you nailed this review.
ReplyDeleteActually, this movie was autobiographical. I read an article about the writer before B and I saw it. So yeah, the writer totally gets what it's like to have cancer, and it shows. Yay for one of the only good movies made in recent memory!
ReplyDeleteThe screenwriter had the exact same form of cancer that the protagonist had. Funnily enough, Seth Rogan was his good friend during that time too.
ReplyDeleteWow! You and Ali schooled me :) It it makes sense that he had cancer, then.
DeleteSounds good... I want to marry Joseph Gordon Levitt anyway!
ReplyDeleteI watched it a couple months ago and so agree about his acting. Even just the way he would sit on a bench waiting expressed so much. The screenwriter and Seth Rogan were on Fresh Air when the move came out and it was a really interesting interview.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the movie too. I agree that JGL did a fantastic job, but I also thought Seth Rogan was terrific. Now, reading the comments, I guess he was able to channel what it's like to have someone you care about in a really scary situation.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
I had a hard time bringing myself to watch 50/50... my mom, a few years back, battled cancer. And when I say battled, I mean BATTLED. Even though she won, watching a loved one go through that becomes a part of you. For me, anything cancer is a sensitive subject. Anyways, my boyfriend convinced me I'd enjoy the movie and I did.
ReplyDeletePeony
Ooooh, I have this on my Netflix queue! Should be coming soon. And yes, JGL - he can do no wrong in my eyes. He's just unbelievable dreamy and has the talent to back it up. Did you see him do the cover of Aretha Franklin's Natural Woman? Swoon!
ReplyDeleteNo!! But I have to look it up now!!
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