Let’s be honest – given the choice, most young moviegoers are unlikely to pick a film about a man’s struggle with cancer. It’s a tough subject under the best of conditions, since we generally don’t like to be reminded of our own mortality. 50/50, however, is a comedy produced by and featuring Seth Rogen, which is certainly likely to raise its profile. But, while it’s lighthearted and tells an uplifting story, people expecting the outrageous humour Rogen is known for may feel like victims of a bait-and-switch.
Written by Will Reiser, who based the story on his own cancer experience, the movie succeeds in showing the patient’s perspective. Informed that he has a near-unpronounceable medical condition, Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) still appears relatively fine, until the doctor casually uses the C-word. Then everything shifts to a blur as the realization dawns on him. It’s a powerful moment, drawing us in to the story, and director Jonathan Levine uses it and several others to make the story relatable, sometimes uncomfortably so.
As difficult as things are for Adam, the movie is equally about how incapable everyone else around him is of dealing with his diagnosis. Adam’s best friend Kyle (Rogen) has no qualms about using the cancer to pick up girls. His therapist, Katherine (Anna Kendrick), hasn’t even completed her education yet. His flaky artist girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard) gets even flakier. And his mother (Angelica Houston), already dealing with a husband with Alzheimer’s disease, is overcome with worry.
Much of this is played for laughs, and there are a few genuinely funny moments here, but the subject matter limits the comedy, and cold reality often interrupts. This is realistic, but it will defeat the expectations created by the movie’s advertising, which shows Rogen playing yet another oversexed stoner, and implies highjinks will ensue. They don’t, and that’s an important warning for those who expect 50/50 to be cancer’s answer to Knocked Up.
As a drama, however, the movie is much better. Gordon-Levitt is excellent as Adam, who is already reserved and a bit negative, and must then struggle to keep his own spirits up through the treatment process. Huston is even better as a strong woman who is as powerless as her son. Kendrick and Dallas Howard both seem slightly artificial here, but that’s more a function of the script than their ability. Others provide strong supporting performances, especially Philip Baker Hall and Matt Frewer as Adam’s chemotherapy buddies.
As long as you’re not expecting a laugh riot, 50/50 is a fine film, with an important message for us all about dealing with those around us in need of support. Sadly, as the movie shows, not enough of us have thought about it.
Tags: movie review
About the author: David Raitt
David Raitt is a writer and lover of pop culture. He lives in Oakville. He has also worked as an actor for The Second City, and has written, produced and performed his own sketch comedy, including the Canadian Comedy Award-nominated ALL THE RAGE. Semi-retired from performing, he still teaches improv and communications skills to students and corporate groups through his association with The Second City. Check out Dave's website at http://davidraitt.com
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