I Am Sam

Jessie Nelson's 2001 film follows a father with an intellectual disability. Custody of his daughter is being taken from him. A lawyer takes the case without payment. The film ties the court process to an emotional line; the narrative does not openly argue the question of capacity to care. Sean Penn was nominated. How the film handles disability, and the casting of a non-disabled actor in the role, were criticised. The tone is emotional. Who it's for: those who like emotional family drama. Who it's not for: viewers sensitive about the representation of disability; that aspect is disputed.