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| Still from 50/50 |
We often don't think of Cancer as a funny thing, but Vancouver-filmed 50/50 makes the most of it finding humour in the worst possible scenario. The Jonathan Levine Film, was written by Will Reiser who was inspired by his own battle with the Disease. It tackles heavy subject matter with a dash of optimism while at the same time, remaining true to the heart of the struggle.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a powerful, performance making proud those backers who first took note of his talent as a Child Actor in Sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, and if you weren't sold on him with his work in 2009's sleeper hit 500 Days of Summer, 50/50 will have you seeing him as a cut from the same cloth as talented contemporaries like James Franco and James McAvoy.
Gordon-Levitt's portrayal of Adam is authentic and mostly numbing myself having battled Cancer at one point in my life, I can appreciate that. He brings to life delicately the resentment, the doubts of uncertainty and disappointments which not only come from coping on a personal level, but also seeing how the Disease can affect one's own social support network. Despite being much a Comedy, the focus is honed-in just enough at the right moment that we are reminded how serious Adam's struggle is and ultimately that is where we get a proper glimpse at Gordon-Levitt's range.
Although seen little, Anjelica Huston is pitch-perfect as Adam's smothering Mother Diane, while Seth Rogen as Confidante Kyle, is always a pleasure to see and he leaves his own distinctive mark of Humour - v. mean but v. aware. Anna Kendrick is cast perfectly as Katie, Adam's awkward yet well-meaning young Therapist, delivering on that promise we saw in 2009's Up in the Air.
Definitely one of 2011's more moving Pieces and by all means good entertainment. eOne Films releases 50/50 on September 30, 2011. Grade: A
See Photos from its TIFF 2011 Premiere here.
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