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HBO Fall Documentary: LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM

by Jef Dinsmore
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Overview: In 1998, Dr. Leslie Gordon and Dr. Scott Berns learned that their two-year-old son, Sam, had progeria, a progressive aging disorder so rare that fewer than 250 children in the world had it at the time. Little was known about the disease, and all children with progeria died of heart attack or stroke at an average age of 13. LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM explores the remarkable world of Sam Berns and his family. Now a high-school junior about to turn 17, Sam embraces his circumstances with admirable courage, showing wisdom beyond his years.

 Docs_samPosterWhen Sam was diagnosed with progeria, Leslie was a resident intern. With the support of her husband, Scott, a pediatric ER doctor, and the rest of her family, she devoted herself and her career to studying the disease and thus, The Progeria Research Foundation was founded. Through the example of their own son they tell us of the work they are undertaking to cure the disorder. 

Expectations: I am slightly confused with the angle this film takes. In the little documentation that I read about the documentary the approach seems to be more about the medical history behind the disorder and the research done on it, yet the footage I have seen as promotion of LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM focuses on Sam and his positive outlook on his life and situation. The title, obviously, indicates that this is about the day-in-the-life experiences of the afflicted youth. So, I am left unsure of what direction the piece really will end up taking the viewer through.

 The documentary is 95 minutes long. That seems like a long time to examine what fills Sam’s days and what he feels and thinks about progeria impacting his life; about the medicines or treatments he may take; about how he fits in society and how society treats him. On the other hand, if the work is a very clinical scientific examination of the disorder with Sam as merely the elected soul to be the face of progeria then it might be a rather dry documentary. For myself, as a scientifically minded person, I wouldn’t hate the medical explanations of the disorder but I don’t think the majority of the viewers would want an hour and a half discussion filled with medical jargon and lab results.

 So, I think and hope this presentation needs to be a balance of both sides of the story. It needs to explain progeria and the steps taken to find a cure or ease the condition and also offer the personal story of Sam Berns. The combination of both angles will make a more engaging documentary. It is time to watch and learn.    

 

Gut Reaction: Why did I even raise the doubt. Directors Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine’s, whose documentary “Inocente” won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject earlier this year, blended the medical facts and the personal story just fine. Viewers get into the study of progeria through Sam Berns and other afflicted children. The people motivated, as stated in the Overview, are Sam’s parents. His mother Leslie talks us through the steps of the disorder and the clinical trial procedure and the frustrations she has endured as a medical researcher and a parent. An all access presence of the camera takes us through the process.Docs_samfamily

 The personal story of Sam sews the piece together into a compelling piece. His personality and his outlook on his affliction and death are amazing. It is his demeanor and the outcome of the medical testing that encourages those involved to continue the cause and shows the viewer that there is hope for for progeria sufferers.

 The only complaint that I had is that I dislike the need some filmmakers have of adding artistic moments into a piece. A 95 minute film is just the right length; I want to see the facts and issues unfold so don’t fill it with unnecessary footage. In order to strike a dramatic chord or to let facts settle in your thoughts for a minute there are shots of microscopic images or Sam’s Lego collection just placed to give us time to reflect. They are okay when used sparingly; this piece pushed those moments to their limits.     

 In Conclusion: Sam Berns’ life is worthy of examination. He is a unique individual and not just because of his rare disorder. Also, the work, understanding and persistence of his parents are admirable. I can without hesitation recommend LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM.

 HBO air dates are 10.24 at 1:30pm, 10.27 at 9:00am and 10.29 at 11:45am. It can also be seen at your convenience on HBOGo.    

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16 comments

balzac January 12, 2014 - 7:54 pm

Beautiful and inspiring film, about a beautiful and inspiring person!

Sam, you are a gift to humanity. I won’t say “were,” because your spirit is with us, and will be, always. Sam’s parents – the compassion, love and strength they have shown – is there, if you summon it!

HBO – Thank you for making this available to the world!

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angelnamedcastiel January 11, 2014 - 3:33 pm

RIP Sam. We will all miss you and love you. :'(

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Jef Dinsmore January 11, 2014 - 5:11 pm

Sorry, we must have missed something. DId Sam Berns die recently? What an extraordinary life.

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Jasmine January 11, 2014 - 8:41 pm

Yes, Sam passed last night at his home in Foxboro MA

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Jacob Klein January 12, 2014 - 12:55 am

Very sad. He touched many.

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Jacob Klein November 3, 2013 - 8:10 pm

Got around to watching this one. Touching, of course! Such a rare disease. I hope they find a cure soon but I understand why it’s tough to get support for researching something that affects so few.

Sam, you’re amazing! Hang in there and good luck to your mother on her quest.

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Maura December 2, 2013 - 5:04 pm

Although Progeria affects so few, what the children with Progeria die from (heart disease and stroke) affect so many. Which means any research and progress in this field will benefit so many.

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Brucho November 3, 2013 - 5:51 pm

If you want to be inspired by the strength of the human spirit, you need to watch this documentary. Sam is a remarkable child with equally remarkable parents. I especially was moved during Sam’s middle school graduation. If you don’t cry during this scene, you might not be human. The flow of the story line and the cinematography, are Oscar worthy. It’s a must see!

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Leighann McCarthy Lee November 2, 2013 - 5:21 pm

Fantastic! Awe inspiring perserverence of two parents and the amazing person that is Sam! Hopeful and sad at the same time. Bravo. Prayers to all!

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Eleonora Iafano October 25, 2013 - 5:37 pm

Hey Jef! I always enjoy watching movies where they showcase children or adults with challenges or special needs. There needs to be more attention to individuals that have these kinds of life altering challenges but more importantly, that the children or adults are portrayed in a respectful and proactive manner. I know I am going to watch this and have to use a box of Kleenex!

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Robbie Moraes October 23, 2013 - 6:30 am

This is why HBO has replaced PBS when it comes to ground breaking Documentry Films.

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Jef Dinsmore October 23, 2013 - 9:50 am

So you have told us over and over. We get it you don’t like PBS documentaries. You don’t need too because there are plenty of people who do.

How about turning a negative comment, about trashing something else, and turning it into a positive comment on just why you like LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM. That sort of comment would prove more beneficial.

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Jojocotto October 23, 2013 - 11:26 am

If you look at Robbie’s disqus comments, they are almost universally critical and often include insults and no interest in engaging the opinions of others, nothing but uninformed bomb throwing. As always thanks for the articles Jef!

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Jef Dinsmore October 23, 2013 - 8:25 pm

I did notice that which is why I tried to engage Robbie into something more useful, but so far nothing. However, I am glad you enjoy my contributions. Joocotto. What did you think of LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM?

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Jojocotto October 25, 2013 - 8:14 am

Haven’t watched it yet, I need a break from medical documentaries after last week’s 3 shorts.

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