About 50/50

The 2011 film "50/50" is a comedy-drama film featuring a young man's journey after getting diagnosed with a rare type of spinal cancer. The story is inspired by the real-life experiences of screenwriter, Will Reiser. The title of the movie reflects the survival probability that he was given at the time of his diagnosis.

Making / Production

"50/50" was directed by Jonathan Levine and produced jointly by Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, and Ben Karlin. The screenplay was penned by Will Reiser with the intention of showing how humor could help ease difficult situations. The film was made on the budget of $8 million with shooting locations in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Actors

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Adam Lerner – He perfectly embraced the role of a young man grappling with a cancer diagnosis, balancing between despair and hope.
• Seth Rogen as Kyle Hirons – Seth played Adam's best friend who uses humor to help him get through this challenging time.
• Anna Kendrick as Katherine – Anna portrayed a young, inexperienced therapist who helps Adam navigate his emotions.
• Bryce Dallas Howard as Rachael – Bryce played Adam’s girlfriend, who is visually struggling to cope with his diagnosis.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The screenplay was written by Will Reiser, who was himself diagnosed with cancer, and is best friends with Seth Rogen in real life.
• The film was initially titled 'I'm With Cancer' before being changed to "50/50".
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt replaced James McAvoy who had to drop out due to personal reasons.

Awards

50/50 received two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Quotes

• "You can't change your situation. The only thing that you can change is how you choose to deal with it." – Katherine
• "No one wants to fuck me. I look like Lord Voldemort." – Adam
• "I've got the President's cancer." - Adam

Music, Soundtrack

• "The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack" by LIARS
• "To Love Somebody" by Bee Gees
• "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam
• "Work To Do" by The Aggrolites