My Sister's Keeper

About My Sister's Keeper

My Sister’s Keeper is a 2009 American drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes and starring Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva, Jason Patric, and Alec Baldwin. Based on Jodi Picoult’s 2004 novel of the same name, the movie is a deeply moving drama that presents a thought-provoking tale about a young girl who sues her parents for medical emancipation when she discovers she was supposed to donate a kidney to her elder sister.

Making / Production

The movie is directed by Nick Cassavetes, who is known for films that explore the complexities of the human condition. He handled the serious subject matter with sensitivity and respect. The screenplay was written by Jeremy Leven and Nick Cassavetes himself. It was produced by New Line Cinema and Mark Johnson Productions, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Actors

• Cameron Diaz as Sara Fitzgerald, a mother who goes to extraordinary lengths for her older daughter's health.
• Abigail Breslin as Anna Fitzgerald, the younger daughter who seeks legal emancipation from her family in order to escape her role as a donor for her sister.
• Sofia Vassilieva as Kate Fitzgerald, the older daughter suffering from leukemia whose condition sets off the ethical and emotional drama of the film.
• Jason Patric as Brian Fitzgerald, the father who is torn between the needs of both daughters.
• Alec Baldwin as Campbell Alexander, Anna's lawyer who decides to represent her in court.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite being a major turning point in the movie, the court scene was the first to be shot.
• My Sister's Keeper was initially supposed to star Dakota and Elle Fanning, but they reportedly dropped out due to creative differences.

Quotes

• "You don't love someone because they're perfect. You love them in spite of the fact that they're not." - Jodi Picoult, from My Sister's Keeper
• "When you love someone, you say their name different. Like it’s safe inside your mouth." - Jodi Picoult, from My Sister's Keeper

Music, Soundtrack

• "Feels Like Home" by Edwina Hayes
• "Don't Wanna Cry" by Pete Yorn
• "Better" by Regina Spektor
• "With You" by Jonah Johnson