Movie Discussion

I AM SAM
Guide
I Am Sam
Love is all you need.

When social workers take away his daughter, Sam, a

mentally challenged man, knows he must fight to get
her back. With the help of his best friends, he finds a
fast talking, high powered attorney named Rita to
take his case pro bono. Although Rita thinks this
partnership is going to be about helping Sam, she soon
finds that he has the greater impact on her by showing
her that love is all you need.

New Line Cinema

Programming Suggestions
This discussion guide is designed to facilitate educational programs after viewing the film
I AM SAM. Its purpose is to generate discussion based on social issues found within the movie and
for program participants to reflect on themes that may be pertinent to them. Therefore, there are no
right or wrong answers to questions in this guide.

The discussion facilitator may choose to utilize one of the following activities as a means of
Developing discussion:

Organize a Coffeehouse Night where students can share their talents such as music,
poetry, and comedy. Invite 3 to 4 faculty or staff members to serve as judges and offer
prizes for the winners. During the program, serve coffee and other popular refreshments.
You might even want to ask your local coffee shop for sponsorship.
ISSUES
Get in touch with your campus' Best Buddies organization or the local chapter of the
Special Olympics. Offer to volunteer at one of their events or participate in a fundraiser
for the organization.

Have residents create their personal family tree. Make sure participants know that this
tree should include those who are not only biologically related, but those who have been
like family to them. If they are willing, have everyone share their trees with the group
and hang them in the hall for everyone to see at their leisure.

Design a bulletin board about disability awareness. Consult with your Disabled Student
DISABILITY AWARENESS

Services office on campus for resources. You can even encourage your residents to help
you with the research and design.

An important consideration in choosing any facilitation option is that all students have an opportunity
to participate. Be aware that many of the topics addressed in the film are not often talked about in
FAMILY

public settings. Students who attend the program may have varying degrees of comfort level with the
discussion.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Define family. What does your family look like?

What are the qualities that make people good parents? Was Sam a good parent? Was Rita a good parent? What
were their challenges? Do you think there are any perfect parents out there?

Do you think the social workers should have taken Lucy away from Sam? Why or why not?

Why does Sam fight for custody of his daughter? What does he think he can provide for her better than others?

What does Rita learn from Sam? What does Sam learn from Rita? Who learns more from the other?

What could Rita have done to better her relationship with her son?

Sam says he has the best friends in the whole world. What contributions did Sam's friends make to his life?
What do your friends bring to your life?

What can we do to assist people with disabilities? How should we treat people with disabilities?

Why did Rita take Sam's case as a pro bono opportunity?

While in court, did the lawyers demonstrate ethical behavior? Why or why not? Did they hurt anyone? Were these
actions necessary? Did they do their job?

Rita tells Sam I've never lost anything in my life. What makes people like Rita work as much as they do? What
drove Rita to her need for success and perfectionism? What would she have to do to gain more balance in her life?

What role did Annie play in the lives of Sam and Lucy? Why did she choose not to leave her apartment? What
made her come out to help Sam and Lucy in court?

What were the challenges that faced Lucy's foster parents? What was it that changed Randy's mind about what she
was going to say in court about what was best for Lucy?

Sam tells Lucy's foster mother Randy You're the red in her painting. What does he mean by that and how does it
make Randy feel?

Rita kept speaking with Sam about developing a support system. Who became Sam's support system in his raising
of Lucy?

There were several references in the movie to what Lucy was drawing in class and how it reflected her true
feelings. What do you use as an outlet for your personal feelings (i.e. journaling, painting, music, etc.)

What do you think made Lucy constantly protect and defend her father to others? Do you think she saw
the challenges they would face together? Did she care?
F# - (18842)

Rita tells Sam it doesn't matter what I think. It matters if we win. Why does it matter to Sam what
Rita thinks about his ability to take care of Lucy?
8.06

Rita confides in Sam the overwhelming feeling that I'll never be enough. What does she mean when
Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. MP4285

she says that? Have you ever felt that way? If so, what helps you overcome that feeling?

Rita tells Sam I worry that I've gotten more out of this relationship than you. Do you think she is right?
Why or why not?

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