I Am Sam

I Am Sam is a 2001 film about a man suffering from mental retardation and his struggle to gain custody of his mentally normal daughter with the help of his friends, neighbor and cold-hearted lawyer. Written and directed by Kristine Johnson and Jessie Nelson. All you need is love. Rita Harrison Williams Sam, I can go another nine rounds but you've got to let me in. Somehow, I'll never be enough. Objection! Motion to strike that from the record. It's clear that one's intellectual capacity has no bearing on their ability to love. Lucy Diamond Dawson All you need is love. Dialogue Social Worker: Lucy, your father is 1 hour and 45 minutes late. You only have a few minutes left. Lucy: You can leave if you want to. Rita: Now, Ms. Cossell, in all the time that you've known them, have you ever questioned Sam's ability as a father? Annie: Never. Rita: Never? Annie: Never. Look at Lucy. She's strong. She displays true empathy for people, all kinds of people. I know that you all think she's as smart as she is despite him, but it's because of him. Rita: So what you're saying is you don't worry about Lucy's future? Annie: No, I do. Rita: Ah... Annie: I worry all the time. I worry if they take Lucy away from her father they will take away an enormous piece of her, and I worry that she will spend the rest of her life trying to fill that hole. Sam: I need to get Lucy back. We need, we need - to be professional! Rita: Do you know what that means? Sam: When dealing with Starbucks' customers, 'be friendly but not familiar'. I can be your friend. Lucy: Daddy, did God make you to be like this or was it an accident? Sam: Okay, what do you mean? Lucy: I mean you're different. Sam: But what do you mean? Lucy: You're not like other daddies. Sam: I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm sorry. Lucy: It's okay daddy. It's okay. Don't be sorry. I'm lucky. Nobody else's daddy ever comes to the park. Sam: Yeah! yeah! yeah! We are lucky. Aren't we lucky? Lucy: I won't read the word! Sam: I'm your father and I'm telling you to read the word 'cause I can tell you to because I'm your father. Lucy: I'm stupid. Sam: You are not stupid! Lucy: Yes, I am. Sam: No, you are not stupid 'cause you can read that word. Lucy: I don't wanna read it if you can't. Sam: No, because it makes me happy! It makes me happy hearing you read. Yeah, it makes me happy when you're reading. Lucy: [Lucy reads again] Lucy: (while being observed) I want no other daddy but you. (turns to glass; shouts) Did you hear that? I said I didn't want any other daddy but him. Why don't you write that down? Cast Sean Penn — Sam Dawson Michelle Pfeiffer — Rita Harrison Williams Dakota Fanning — Lucy Diamond Dawson Dianne West — Annie Cassell Loretta Devine — Margaret Calgrove Richard Schiff — Mr. Turner External links 0277027 I Am Sam Category:2001 films Category:Drama films Category:Films about mental disability Category:Films about disability