FILM REVIEW 50/50

SHEER SHOCK Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen star in 50/50, an unlikely comedy about cancer.

50/50 beats the odds


Trevor Quinn

Initially the thought of watching a black comedy about cancer seemed distasteful and unappealing. However, I reluctantly decided to put my reservations to one side with a view to discovering whether such an unlikely premise for a film could work.
The story is focused on Adam, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt of ‘Inception’ fame, who works as a writer with a public radio station. After becoming ill, Adam visits the doctor where he is very abruptly told that he has spinal cancer. When he does some research on the internet he discovers that his chances of survival are 50/50.
For every tender moment there appears to be a dark-humour scene that dances on the border between inappropriateness and hilarity. If you are easily offended or not entirely comfortable with risque humour, this film may be one to avoid.
When Adam informs his friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) of his condition, his shocked radio colleague blurts out, “You have cancer?”. Adam responds by telling him, “They found it yesterday.” “They found it yesterday? Who found it?” Kyle asks. Adam then quips “My cleaning lady found it in the back of my jeans. Who do you think found it?”.
The characters are warm, humorous, compassionate and most importantly realistic. Some of the references to cancer in this film run the risk of making viewers cringe and alienating them. However, the powerful character building and impressively natural performances of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick allow the story to flow in an unassuming and endearing fashion.



Scriptwriter Will Reiser based the theme and script loosely on his own experience of battling cancer, where coincidentally his best friend at the time was Seth Rogen. In essence Rogen therefore plays the part of himself in this film, while also working as a producer.
The theme captures the shock, anger and sense of despair which Adam experiences after his diagnosis and follows him on a difficult but self-defining journey through his illness with his girlfriend, his parents, his caregivers and his friend Kyle.
The latter tries to encourage Adam to join him on nights out after his relationship with his girlfriend Rachael breaks down, and the friendship offers Adam a much-needed sense of escapism from the perils of his illness.
The chemotherapy takes its toll on Adam as his illness progresses and he ultimately faces the prospect of death. His inexperienced therapist Katherine ‘Katie’ McKay played by Anna Kendrick helps him to come to terms with his deteriorating health and attempts to quell some of his lingering apathy. After a rocky start their friendship intensifies in a remarkably authentic way and she provides a welcome support to him.
Despite Kyle’s obvious limitations and his willingness to encourage Adam to use his illness in order to pick up girls ( “You really think that a girl is going to go for me just ’cause I have cancer?” Adam asks. “For the millionth time, YES!” says Kyle), he also provides his friend with unyielding support and brings him to and from the hospital for his regular appointments.
One early exchange probably best summarises this film and what is to follow: A concerned Kyle asks Adam about his survival rate stating, “What are your chances?”. “They said 50/50,” Adam replies. “It’s not that bad!,” says Kyle. “If you were a casino game, you’d have the best odds.”
This film portrays love and friendship as the best remedy for illness. It may be slightly crude in places, but I also found it to be uplifting, brave and original. Despite being controversial, its breezy humour, honesty and memorable characters make ‘50/50’ thoroughly enjoyable viewing.

Rating 8 out of 10