I am Sam (2002)

Sweet and sour

This is the most shamelessly cloying movie I have yet seen. A man with the mental capacity of a 7-year-old can't possibly raise a child, period, end of subject. This would be an amazing enough story if only to show how such a man could take care of himself, living more or less independently. But not only is Sam able to take care of himself, working at a minimum wage job and living in a nice apartment, he is also able to raise a child and somehow afford all the expenses. Apparently there is a lot I could learn from Sam!

The child is the best and the worst part of the story. She is so cute, so sweet, so intelligent, so wise, so affectionate, and so loyal that any parents watching her will melt in the fantasy that their own normal kids could be half as good. In one courtroom scene a witness testifies that the girl is so smart not in spite of her father's shortcomings but because of his love and constancy. I suppose something can be said for always eating dinner at House of Pancakes and reading Green Eggs and Ham a hundred times each night.

The courtroom scenes were funny. Any witness expressing a concern for Sam's ability to be a competent, responsible parent was discredited for some secret and devastating failing in her personal life. In other words, if normal parents make mistakes, get confused, and mess up then who's to say that Sam, with the capacity of a 7-year-old, would do any worse? In fact he may do better.

Then there is the awkward scene when Sam's beautiful lawyer Rita (Michelle Pfeiffer) puts a suit and tie on him and for a brief instant seems to feel enough attraction to consider a pro bono tryst. After all, her husband is cheating on her, so why not?

What I enjoyed most about the movie were the Beatles' songs performed by various cover artists. But it's a fantasy to think that to raise a child in Los Angeles "all you need is love." If a 7-year-old attempts to be a single dad it would be more like helter-skelter. September 15, 2008

A Challenging--If Not Controversial--Film That Is Wonderfully Charming Entertainment

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE "I am Sam" (New Line Platinum Series) DVD (2002)

In looking at the other reviews for this film I was struck by two things: the amazing polarity of reviews; and the negativity of both those reading the reviews and many of those writing reviews. Hence, I decided to rent the film first; but ordered it within minutes of watching it and was tempted to contact the reviewer that said, "I guarantee you will end up not buying it, or asking for your rental fee back." For me, "I Am Sam" is entertainment (albeit not drama that many may have hoped for) at its very best.

At the outset I would like to make it clear that I think that Dakota Fanning, who plays Lucy, deserved a best supporting actress award. Those who find her performance "too good to be true" need to watch the extras to learn more about her abilities and the experiences of her aunt that she brought to the role. I will not enter the fray of Sean Penn's performance as Sam, beyond saying that I was able to get past the fact that it was Sean Penn; while Penn has had some good roles, I am no fan. Michelle Pfeiffer is delightful, while Richard Schiff as the prosecutor--Mr. Turner--and Laura Dern as the foster mother--Randy Carpenter--provide depth to the usually "villainous" characterizations. Are some lines and scenes over the top at times? Yes; but they should be distracting only to those who are not truly watching the film. Is "I Am Sam" realistic? Yes and no. But the film is a story based upon research, not a documentary; more importantly, it is believable--especially if you have spent any amount of time with disabled persons (as I have).

"I Am Sam" is a marvelous film with, in my opinion, an illusive, subjective, almost quixotic imagery that entertains through multiple movie techniques. Moreover--at the risk of "asking" for negative votes--I think the movie scares many viewers because it brings them into a world they feel uncomfortable viewing: to the point of focusing on conceived stereotypes and "wanton" product placement. Conversely, I do feel that the subtitle--"All You Need Is Love"--injects an unfortunate theme that leads many to "agree" with Roger Ebert: "The lesson "I Am Sam" wants to teach us is, "All you need is love." This is not quite strictly true. Sam loves his daughter more than anyone else, and she loves him, but it will take more than love for him to see her through grade school and adolescence and out into the world. Since the movie does not believe this, it has a serious disagreement with most of the audience."

I would ardently argue that this is not the "lesson"--or theme--of "I Am Sam." For me, if there is a lesson (which I do not really believe there is one), it is that the line between normal and not normal is more illusive than we would like it to be. More importantly, for me, is that the film really dares to deal with real life situations (parenting in particular), but in a cinematic fashion. I am normally one that "jumps" on stereotypic, black and white, simplistic and politically correct portrayals. Ironically, I find myself defending this approach as appropriately supportive of the photographic shooting style, editing, sound track, and musical score. The movie is extremely well edited, that puts the viewer into the subjective perspectives of the characters. And while some have complained that the movie uses non-Beatles versions of their songs, for which I empathize, the cost of using the actual songs would have doubled the costs. Indeed, look at how many DVDs resort to replacing original songs used in the original showing with other versions (e.g., "Northern Exposure").

As for all the other films that other reviewers compare "I Am Sam" with, I must say that I do not feel that one can justifiably do so. I truly feel that "I Am Sam" is a unique film, presented in a fairly unique fashion. Perhaps it is the uniqueness that causes the polarization--a need to categorize "I Am Sam" into a "type." But this is not "Rain Man," or any other movie. "I Am Sam" is its own movie: it questions the viability of a "disabled" (mentally challenged or not) person to be a parent--and just what is parenting? The film is about being different, each person in their own way. Is love important? Yes, but not the solution; rather it is glue that binds people together. And so, "I Am Sam" is also about friends and their important roles in our daily lives.

If you are looking for an upbeat or different film, I highly recommend that you venture along with "I Am Sam" for 134 minutes. Some of you may cry or otherwise empathize. I did not: I found myself feeling like a fly on the wall--a part of the film itself. If you are looking for action, drama, or the ordinary I suggest you might look elsewhere.

Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks. August 7, 2008

I Am Sam

I very much enjoyed this movie. I laughed and I cried. Laughed and I cried. Sean Penn really made his character believable (as a mentally ill man)in his persuit to understand himself, gain acceptance from others, and desperate efforts to gain the custody of his only child. Michelle Pfeiffer is very believable in her role as well. As a Counselor,working with families, I am always looking for materials that can assist me to better understand people. This DVD, offers educational strengths- to better understand how to support the "disably challenged", and increased my appreciation for their uniqueness. Thank you. June 13, 2008

Sean Penn in I AM SAM!!

This movie shows that just cause your learning changed doesn't mean your not a person that can show love.
I truly think this is one of the best movies Penn has stared in.
Michelle Pfeiffer does a superb job as a supporting actress.
Dakota Fanning is one of my favorite children actors.
Over all this is a great movie that shows a fathers love for
his daughter, this is a must see for all fathers.
I rate this movie a 10 from 1to10!! May 15, 2008

Make sure you got the right CD

I wanted the Beetles songs that were resung by various artists for this film, but this one is not that. May 13, 2008

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