The movie, I am Sam, is a good portrayal of the difficulties and discrimination people with developmental delays have in society and in the court system. It is the story of a man, Sam, who has the mental capacity of a seven year old, raising his daughter, Lucy, and what happens when the courts try to take her away from him.
In the beginning, Sam is shown to be a capable citizen and a father who really cares for his daughter's well-being. He is able to have a job, and with the help of a supportive network of his friends, raises Lucy to be a happy and healthy eight-year-old.
Still, Sam is not granted the same privileges as person with “average intelligence,” and is treated with suspicion by everyone from the court officials to Lucy's foster mom to the lawyer who eventually becomes his friend. His word does not seem to be worth the same as other people's and he is not always granted everything he needs. This is shown in a scene in the courthouse where he speaks about why he can take care of his daughter and the lawyers and judge are shown to look bored and disdainful. When he gets confused and overwhelmed by the questions that take the form of a viscous attack, he is not granted a reprieve as should be his rights but is forced to answer questions until he breaks down and tells them what they want to hear.
He has to work harder than anyone else just to be granted the privileges of having his opinion heard and allow his family to be kept together. It is particularly interesting to note that the healthy family relationship between Lucy and Sam is scrutinized while the somewhat dysfunctional family relationship between the lawyer and her son is never even questioned.
When Sam’s privileges are denied and his daughter is taken away Sam feels useless. He quits his job and stops visiting his daughter and becomes an unhappy and unproductive person. The only way this is turned around is when his lawyer friends gives him back his voice and tells him that his thoughts and actions matter and that he has a right to raise his daughter. When he is given back the right of having his word worth something he is able to get his life back together and prove that he can be a good and loving father to Lucy.
This film presents a good unbiased look at all different types of society and was a moving and informative story.
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