Life According to Sam

About Life According to Sam

"Life According to Sam" is a heart-warming documentary detailing the life and trials of Sam Berns, a young man diagnosed with Progeria, a rare and rapid aging disease. This 2013 film directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine narrates the journey of Sam and his parents, Dr. Leslie Gordon and Dr. Scott Berns, who are also researchers striving to find a cure for Progeria. Notwithstanding his health issues, the film portrays Sam's tenacity, wit, and wisdom beyond his years.

Making / Production

Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine embark on this emotional cinematic journey, capturing intimate scenes of Sam Berns's life over three years. The directors effectively highlight the gravity of Progeria and its impact, all while maintaining Sam’s lively spirit.

Actors

• Sam Berns as Himself: Sam wins over the audience with his charming personality and mature perspective on life, despite battling a debilitating condition.
• Dr. Leslie Gordon as Herself: Sam's mother not only portrays a supportive parent but also an unwavering researcher in the fight against Progeria.
• Dr. Scott Berns as Himself: Sam's Father, similarly, shows steadfast endurance in battling both personal and scientific challenges.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Life According to Sam" was aired in January 2013 at the Sundance Film Festival.
• The documentary was also aired on HBO in October 2013.
• Sam Berns' parents founded the Progeria Research Foundation which has made significant strides to uncover the cause, and potential treatments for Progeria.

Awards

The directors, Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, won the Audience Award for Best U.S. Documentary at the 2013 Maui Film Festival. Moreover, “Life According to Sam” was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Quotes

• "I didn’t put myself in front of you to have you feel bad for me. I put myself in front of you to let you know you don’t need to feel bad for me." - Sam Berns
• "I have a very happy life." – Sam Berns
• "Even though there are many obstacles in life, the right effort and hard work can overcome almost any problem." – Sam Berns

Music, Soundtrack

• “Taking on Time” by Nick Urata served as the movie's theme song
• The music and sound in the film are used effectively to emphasize the emotional beats of Sam's life without being intrusive or melodramatic.