Does Jessie Nelson Use Film Techniques To Competence In Parenthood?
How does Jessie Nelson use a range of film techniques to portray the conflicting ideas of competence in parenthood in relation with disabled parents in the movie ‘I am Sam’?
Jessie Nelson’s ‘I am Sam’ directed in 2001 tells a story of a mentally-challenged man, Sam Dawson, and his relentless fight with the legal system for custody of his daughter, Lucy Diamond Dawson. Nelson forces the audience to question Sam’s capabilities and limits of being a ‘good parent’ through symbolism, characterization, use of camera and editing techniques.
Social security services bring their attention to Sam and Lucy as her 8th birthday approaches. They are doubtful that Sam will be able to provide Lucy with the education and resources she deserves to reach her full potential as she slowly surpasses her father’s intellectual capabilities with the mentality of a 7-year-old.
‘All you need is love’ is the central quote of what the film’s message is built upon. Nelson’s use of a contradictory contrast between the two main characters sparks a conflict about what defines a good parent that challenges the viewer to ask themselves if love is enough. Sam is a very simple man. He is unexpectedly the dormant character in the film. Sam’s happiness solely relies on the happiness and security of his daughter Lucy alongside the support of …show more content…
Using this film technique gives a more documentary feel that enables the viewer to feel more part of the action. The audience views the film through the perspective of Sam Dawson and the use of hand-held cameras allows an emotional attachment to develop with Sam’s character as we witness his love and devotion to Lucy. Consequently, the viewer is manipulated to side with Sam’s viewpoint that he deserves custody of Lucy and has enough to offer her despite all the testimonies against Sam’s will. Along the film we are a bystander and observe the ongoing battle of beliefs of the needs of a
Jessie Nelson’s ‘I am Sam’ directed in 2001 tells a story of a mentally-challenged man, Sam Dawson, and his relentless fight with the legal system for custody of his daughter, Lucy Diamond Dawson. Nelson forces the audience to question Sam’s capabilities and limits of being a ‘good parent’ through symbolism, characterization, use of camera and editing techniques.
Social security services bring their attention to Sam and Lucy as her 8th birthday approaches. They are doubtful that Sam will be able to provide Lucy with the education and resources she deserves to reach her full potential as she slowly surpasses her father’s intellectual capabilities with the mentality of a 7-year-old.
‘All you need is love’ is the central quote of what the film’s message is built upon. Nelson’s use of a contradictory contrast between the two main characters sparks a conflict about what defines a good parent that challenges the viewer to ask themselves if love is enough. Sam is a very simple man. He is unexpectedly the dormant character in the film. Sam’s happiness solely relies on the happiness and security of his daughter Lucy alongside the support of …show more content…
Using this film technique gives a more documentary feel that enables the viewer to feel more part of the action. The audience views the film through the perspective of Sam Dawson and the use of hand-held cameras allows an emotional attachment to develop with Sam’s character as we witness his love and devotion to Lucy. Consequently, the viewer is manipulated to side with Sam’s viewpoint that he deserves custody of Lucy and has enough to offer her despite all the testimonies against Sam’s will. Along the film we are a bystander and observe the ongoing battle of beliefs of the needs of a