Decoding Annie Parker

I recently had the opportunity of seeing Decoding Annie Parker at a charity benefit screening. It's a heart felt, inspirational movie about the journey of a cancer survivor and the scientist who discovered the gene mutation responsible for hereditary breast cancer. (The same gene mutation Angelina Jolie has). A tough subject handled deftly by the film maker. The story is an accurate and truthful depiction of a cancer patient's journey and had the audience both laughing and crying and eventually left them feeling uplifted and hopeful. No melodrama here. The acting performances were superb especially those of Samantha Morton who plays the cancer survivor and Aaron Paul who plays her husband. Helen Hunt was as always terrific. Rashida Jones was great too. Kudos to the film makers for making a movie on this subject which has unfortunately effected too many families.

I just saw a screening of the movie in Chicago last night. Loved the dual story telling. Director did a great job of combining these two people's lives into a story in which you can not stop watching; in hopes throughout, that they will find some answers. Both women and men should see this movie!!! Everyone knows someone who has had cancer and we all should be informed. A very empowering movie. Samantha Morton was perfect as Annie Parker. Never once did I see her as an actor. She just slipped into the part and made you route for her all the way through the film. Helen Hunt as Dr. King had just the right nuances. The rest of the supporting cast were well chosen and all felt real. I would highly recommend this film for both men and women.

The subject matter is quite heavy but is told with sincerity and real-person humor. The title may seem a trifle misleading since the contact between Annie and the researcher is tangential at best -- they meet only once. The the "decoding" goes beyond finding and sequencing the BRCA1 gene. We witness the unwrapping of emotions and the development of a life-fulfilling spirit in Annie and many of the people to whom she is connected. Some relationships work, other don't, but at its core the film remains true to its belief in Annie's undying spirit. The only negative that keeps my review from being a 10 is that a few of the scenes in which the finding the BRCA1 gene proceeds are stiff and almost formulaic, in stark contrast to the reality of the rest of the film. Go see it and you will be talking about it to many of your friends.

This film has it all! Humorous, heart-touching, authentic performances of the real life struggles of genius geneticist Dr. Mary-Claire King in her tireless efforts to find the genetic link in breast and ovarian cancer--the BRCA gene--and Canadian Annie Parker, a young woman who must face one of the greatest fears of all women. Samantha Morton's portrayal of Annie Parker is brilliant, heart-felt and sometimes, painfully real.

I've seen the movie three times, and each time I get more from it. Helen Hunt's performance of Dr. King is right on target, and the entire cast adds even more depth, warmth and personality to this important work. Steven & Adam Bernstein's script, Steven's direction, excellent cinematography, and an all-star cast combine to create a film that is exploding the awareness of people around the world in a way that both entertains and educates.

On top of that, this movie is changing lives every day. Audiences are giving it standing ovations, and for the next several months at least, the producers have authorized charitable screenings of the movie to raise awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer research and patient support. It couldn't be any better! CONGRATULATIONS to all involved.

Bravo to Steve Bernstein for making this important film that starts the conversation about hereditary cancer. Bernstein manages to weave the "remarkable" Annie Parker's personality and humor throughout this film of serious subject matter; ultimately providing bursts of laughter just when you are thinking you might need to reach for that huge handkerchief to wipe your tears. "A" rated performances from Samantha Morton (Annie) and Aaron Paul. Rashida Jones shines brightly in her supporting role. Heartfelt, humorous, and honest...you will go home thinking about your family and family history. Knowing it is a true story, you will find yourself thinking about the "real" Annie Parker and her incredible spirit--at the very least, for the rest of your week.