The Angelika Film Center in Dallas, Texas played host to an advance screening of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen’s upcoming cancer-themed film “50/50.” This wasn’t your normal sneak preview showing of the film. Thanks to the USA Film Festival, this event was made even more special by the presence of Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick.
Kendrick plays Gordon-Levitt’s therapist, Kate, in “50/50.” The movie tells the story of a 27 year old man battling a rare form of cancer. The 26 year old actor has already shown her dynamic range through roles in films like “Up in the Air,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” and the “Twilight” films. She is also the second youngest actor to be nominated for a Tony Award.
As soon as I arrived, I could feel the excitement in the air inside and around the Angelika Film Center. There were already autograph seekers lined up outside waiting for Kendrick to arrive. Inside the venue, people were lined up and being ushered into the theater. Many people congregated in the lobby talking amongst themselves and sipping drinks while waiting for the screening to begin.
The lights went down in the theater and the screening of “50/50″ began. The movie has a perfect balance of drama and humor. It successfully takes on the subject of someone battling cancer and treats it with respect while using humor to show how Gordon-Levitt’s life is turned upside down when he is diagnosed. The whole cast of the film really shines.
Ms. Kendrick plays the polar opposite of her character from “Up in the Air” in “50/50.” She’s new at her job as an aspiring therapist and her inexperience with real patients shines through thanks to Kendrick’s nervousness and twitchiness. I really can’t imagine any other actor playing the part so sincerely or convincingly.
As the lights in the theater came on, James Wallace from local Dallas-based website I Heart Cinema introduced Ms. Kendrick to the packed room. After a huge applause, Wallace began asking and taking questions from the audience about the making of “50/50″ and her role in it. The actor was very charming and did her best to answer every question in as much detail as she could. She talked about her hesitancy to do a comedy about someone battling cancer. She said after reading the script, her mind was put at ease and she took the job. She also shared how she was very nervous and didn’t want to do a kissing scene with Gordon-Levitt.
Anna Kendrick answered questions from the crowd and Wallace for about half an hour. You could tell that she was genuinely thankful for all her fan support by the way she addressed the crowd and put thought into each and every question. It was an honor and a pleasure to get to hear her talk about the experience of filming such a touching yet funny movie like “50/50.”
Jonathan Levine directed ’50/50.” It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, and Anjelica Huston. The movie is rated R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use. Summit Entertainment will be releasing it on September 30, 2011.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Award Winning Actors Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez Greet Dallas Fans
‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ Director and Actor Attends Dallas Screening
Interview with ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ Actor Bailee Madison
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