Cancer in Movies and TV Shows

Countless movies and tv shows have been produced portraying any topic imaginable. Many people find comfort in relating to the characters and events on screen. Cancer, in particular, is the subject of a multitude of movies and shows. Countless productions center around a protagonist with cancer, making it one of the most popular movie, book, and tv show plots to date.

“Alexa and Katie” is a Netflix original tv show centered around the lives of the two titular best friends. As the pair begins high school, Alexa is diagnosed with cancer. Throughout the show, we see how the diagnosis strengthened their bond and friendship. The importance of having a true friend to cope with difficult times is a theme heavily emphasized, and the overall tone of the show is light hearted and optimistic. Geared towards a preteen audience, viewers of all ages can appreciate and relate to Alexa and Katie. The theme of the importance of loyal friendship is universally relatable to those from all walks of life. The writers behind “Alexa and Katie” wanted to portray a different side of pediatric cancer than typically seen in television- a story in which the main character’s life does not revolve around their condition. Different from the narrative typically portrayed, Alexa is not a one dimensional character, or just a “girl with cancer”. She is a teenager, with a life, hobbies, and friends, who happens to also have cancer. This provides a more realistic portrayal of what living with pediatric cancer is like. The show enlightens viewers to the fact that everybody may have an internal crisis they are dealing with, whether or not it is visible on the outside, and that we must treat others with understanding and compassion.

Likely the most popular portrayal of cancer in film is “The Fault in Our Stars”, based upon the novel written by John Green of the same name. John Green was inspired to write “The Fault in Our Stars” after his friend, Esther Earl, passed away from thyroid cancer as a teenager. He wanted to honor her through his work- authentically creating a teenager girl with cancer, Hazel Grace. A beautiful love story about two teenagers, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, battling cancer, it invoked emotional responses from audiences worldwide. Augustus’ charm is sure to leave viewers admiring him. John Green’s stories are targeted more towards a teen and young adult audience, as the content may not be suitable or appropriate for younger viewers. While watching, viewers will be able to visualize the feeling of young love, along with the trials and tribulations that come with being a teenager. Not only will Hazel and Augustus’ love move you to tears, but so will their witty banter and deeply ironic sense of humor. In addition to being rated 81% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie was also awarded “Best Movie” at the 2015 MTV Movie Awards.

For more of a combination of legal and medical content, the movie “My Sister’s Keeper” portrays a mix of the two. Also based on a novel, it displays the ethical-and legal- boundaries of how far Anna can be forced to go in order to help in the treatment of her sister Kate’s cancer. Also intended more for teenage audiences, this film contains heavily emotional subject matter that not all viewers may be equipped to view. The film expertly portrays a family struggling with doing the right thing, and having to choose what the “right thing” is for each of their daughters. The novel has proved controversial, landing itself on several “banned books” lists on schools and libraries throughout the United States. Despite this, the novel’s author, Jodie Picoult reaffirms that she wrote this novel was written to do exactly this- raise difficult questions, and cause readers to question their morals.

Television has not only given us a form of entertainment, but a way to find characters to identify with, or gain more insight into the lives of others. By viewing others with different lives and problems than what we are used to, we gain compassion for those who are unlike ourselves or going through something we may not be able to understand.

SOURCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Sister%27s_Keeper_(film)

https://variety.com/2015/film/news/mtv-movie-awards-winners-list-2015-1201471112/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_fault_in_our_stars

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexa_%26_Katie

https://www.netflix.com/us/title/80174285?s=i&trkid=13747225&vlang=en&clip=81127625

https://www.thelist.com/218373/the-untold-truth-of-alexa-and-katie/

https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/jodi-picoult-my-sisters-keeper/

https://www.bustle.com/p/john-greens-tribute-to-esther-earl-who-inspired-the-fault-in-our-stars-is-so-stunning-9994279