50/50

I had long been anticipating the release of 50/50. My brother had seen it in the UK, in November of last year and had raved about it(I believe it was one of his films of the year for 2011). Four months later and it's finally released here in Melbourne - to an exclusive run at the Nova cinema in Carlton(www.cinemanova.com.au) - that is all!
Why this movie was only deemed a singular run, I don't know. Perhaps the reasons remain the same for the direct-to-DVD issue?
Anyway, I managed to catch a screening with friends, close to the end of it's run - and was very glad I did. Obviously I had high expectations, having heard so much from my brother, but it didn't disappoint.
50/50 tells the story of Adam(played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a driven and creative young man working in radio, who believes in doing the very best job he can - especially in this age of mediocrity. You get the sense that Adam is a great believer in karma. He is considerate of rules and regulations and does his upmost to treat others as he would like to be treated. Unfortunately Adam's living in a world where the majority act differently.
Adam lives a fairly normal life, spending much of his time with friend and colleague, Kyle(played by the ever watchable Seth Rogen). His mother(played by Angelica Huston)and father live close by. Despite his mothers best efforts, Adam avoids seeing too much of his parents - undoubtedly due to his fathers failing health(he has alzheimer's). Adam is also dating Rachael(Bryce Dallas Howard) - an attractive, yet frivolous artist.
After going to the doctors complaining of back pain, Adam discovers he has a rare form of spinal cancer. Adam undergoes chemotherapy to treat the cancer and is ordered to see a therapist for the duration of his treatment.
Adam's world is turned upside down as anyone's world would be. His nearest and dearest are hugely sympathetic, but achieve varying degrees of success with their support. Adam's therapist, Katherine(played by Anna Kendrick) is in the process of earning her doctorate at what we discover to be a teaching hospital. Adam is Katherine's third patient and as two relatively young people, their character arc is deepest - as they discover just as much about themselves as they do each other.
50/50 is partly inspired by the experiences of screenwriter, Will Reiser and his own battle with cancer. The result is an incredibly honest account of one person's battle with a debilitating disease and how that person's life and relationships are affected - for better or for worse.
The cast are fabulous and they play their parts to perfection. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is particularly good in the lead. Pre-diagnosis he is calm and gentle. He sustains this mood throughout, but manages to subtly display a sense of hopelessness and despair beneath his skin.
With Reiser and Rogen having previously worked on Da Ali G Show together, there is much laughter to be found in 50/50. Much of which comes from the interplay between Adam and Kyle. Adam's fellow patients offer some respite from proceedings also - proving once again how necessary laughter is, in the fight of any serious illness.
50/50 is subtle yet deeply affecting in it's account of one man's battle with cancer. Almost every human emotion is displayed on screen - and not without reason. This comedy/drama is rich with detail and character development and will appear wholly familiar to anyone who's undergone a similar experience - or for that matter, anyone with friends and family - 4/5.