FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "I AM SAM"!
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From the time I first became aware of Sean Penn, (during his mercurial marriage to singer Madonna and run-ins with the law) I must say I never cared much for him. I did like his acting with Robert Duvall in "Colors", and secretly admired him for having dated singer Jewell Kilcher, but these are rather superficial considerations. At the core of it all, Penn's image as a very angry actor was inconsistent with actors I admire. Then after many years, Clint Eastwood saw something in Penn to cast him in "Mystic River". Robin Wright Penn is certainly an intelligent and superb actress, and so I figured that if she married Penn, there must be some redeeming value in the man. This film brings out his best.
In this film, Penn takes on the role of Sam Dawson, an emotionally challenged man who is judged to have the mental capacity of a 7 year-old who has a job at Starbucks. Dawson absolutely loves The Beatles and fathers a daughter with a homeless woman who then abandons the child quickly after she is born. Dawson names the child "Lucy Diamond" (after the Lennon/McCartney song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"). As Lucy reaches the age of 7, it becomes apparent to school officials that she has a gifted mind and appears to be deliberately holding back her aptitude to avoid making her father look badly. Shockingly, the authorities take measures to remove Lucy from Sam's custody. With his world suddenly crumbling around him, Malone begins a desperate quest to recruit a high priced and powerful attorney named Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer). Harrison is a hard-boiled personality who is so far out of Dawson's reach and appears to have no interest whatsoever in becoming involved, as she cannot see any further beyond her own ego and immediate needs. Then something magical begins to emerge that changes each of their lives forever. I'll save the rest for you to watch. This is an incredibly well acted film. The Cast: Sean Penn is Sam Dawson; MIchelle Pfeiffer is Rita Harrison; Dakota Fanning is Lucy Diamond Dawson; Diane Wiest is Annie Cassell; Mary Steenburgen is Dr. Blake; Laura Dern is Randy Carpenter; Directed by Jessie Nelson; Written by: Kristine Johnson and Jessie Nelson. This is a beautiful film and well worth your time!
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In this film, Penn takes on the role of Sam Dawson, an emotionally challenged man who is judged to have the mental capacity of a 7 year-old who has a job at Starbucks. Dawson absolutely loves The Beatles and fathers a daughter with a homeless woman who then abandons the child quickly after she is born. Dawson names the child "Lucy Diamond" (after the Lennon/McCartney song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"). As Lucy reaches the age of 7, it becomes apparent to school officials that she has a gifted mind and appears to be deliberately holding back her aptitude to avoid making her father look badly. Shockingly, the authorities take measures to remove Lucy from Sam's custody. With his world suddenly crumbling around him, Malone begins a desperate quest to recruit a high priced and powerful attorney named Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer). Harrison is a hard-boiled personality who is so far out of Dawson's reach and appears to have no interest whatsoever in becoming involved, as she cannot see any further beyond her own ego and immediate needs. Then something magical begins to emerge that changes each of their lives forever. I'll save the rest for you to watch. This is an incredibly well acted film. The Cast: Sean Penn is Sam Dawson; MIchelle Pfeiffer is Rita Harrison; Dakota Fanning is Lucy Diamond Dawson; Diane Wiest is Annie Cassell; Mary Steenburgen is Dr. Blake; Laura Dern is Randy Carpenter; Directed by Jessie Nelson; Written by: Kristine Johnson and Jessie Nelson. This is a beautiful film and well worth your time!
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:01 AM
16 comments
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16 Comments:
Good movie choice!
Hi Michael,
I love the Beatles and your movie recommendations. This goes on my list.
I've never cared for Sean Penn the person, but the actor is gifted. Didn't think much of Mystic River, and I usually love Clint Eastwood movies. I'll have to check this one out.
I saw that film Michael and in my opinion is really worth to watch,although I don´t like so much Sean Penn..he´s not my kind of actor... so as you can read...I agree with you:)...
Have a nice rest of week
Love
Maria
I've seen this film a few times. It is astounding and touching and heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. Dakota was so accomplished for her age. And Sean Penn gave an amazing performace.
There is a scene between him and the attorney that has stayed in my mind all this time. Where he voices his frustration over his own limitations. "I try and I try and still I'm not good enough..." It speaks to so many who feel they can't survive the system.
great choice Michael.
Katie: Smiles to you today! :D
GEL (emerald eyes): This is a possibility-thinking movie that inspires Hope.
p m: That was a very difficult movie, but challenging for Director Eastwood. This one will show you a completely positive side of this gifted actor.
Maria: Nice to hear from you. Yes, many different feelings about Sean Penn. But when he's in the right role, he is focused as this movie proves.
dianne: So true! And yes, a great moment in the film. When barriers like this in real-life come down, it is often due to sensitive people like you who understand that "magic" happens when we cut the "red tape". :)
I just happen to have the DVD, so thanks I'll take another peek at it this weekend.. :D GiGi
Green Tea: That's great. And you manage to avoid $9.50 admission fees! :)
I have had this film on DVD for well over a year.. maybe i will get round to watching it now as you make it sound good :-)
I saw this one and loved it! Sean Penn was remarkable. It was a real touching and reverse act from some of his normal bad boy characters :)
Sally: You will LOVE it!
Carolyn: How true! A Very touching film, I agree!
I've never seen this one, Michael, but you make it sound so wonderful I can't resist.
You are the movie guru! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend.
fleur de lisa: You will LOVE it! It is filled with Hope!!!
I too am not a big Sean Penn fan; however, he is an excellent actor.
This movie touched me. I grew up with a boy/man, Tommy, who was very much like the Sam Dawson character. As a child, we would play for hours - but then I began to "outgrow" him.
We have many stories of Tommy that my family loves to share. He must be in his 60's now and still lives in San Francisco.
knitti-me: Thanks for sharing and lol!
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