Jack (1996)



A baby is diagnosed with an exaggerated form of Werner syndrome, as stated by Dr. Benfante and Dr. Lin. According to them, as this very rare autosomal recessive disorder progresses, Jack Powell will age at a rate four times faster than normal children due to his internal clock that seems to be developing faster.

Ten years later, Jack is seen as a 10-year-old boy in the body of a 40-year-old man. Fearing ridicule from the outside world, Jack's parents have kept him secluded in their home, which they have stocked with every toy a young boy could want. But toys can't take the place of the real friends which Jack craves.

His tutor, Lawrence Woodruff, introduces the idea that he should go to public school. When he first attends school, he is exploited by the other kids to win at basketball against bullies, and eventually to get adult magazines. As time goes by, he is accepted by them, having new adventures.

The disease is real.

Werner syndrome (also known as "adult progeria") is a very rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the appearance of premature aging. Werner syndrome more closely resembles accelerated aging than any other segmental progeria, so it is often referred to as a progeroid syndrome, as it partly mimics the symptoms of progeria. Werner syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder. The WRN gene associated with Werner Syndrome lies on chromosome 8 in humans and it is the only gene known to be associated with Werner syndrome. The disease is caused by a mutation in the WRN gene, which codes a DNA helicase.

Trivia

• Tom Hanks was the original choice for the lead role because of his performance in Big
• In a classroom scene when Jack is being introduced to the class, it is possible to spot the mic. This also happens in a scene at the cafeteria
• Francis Ford Coppola gave Robin Williams camping gear to spend the night in his backyard and $10 to spend at Toys R Us before shooting the film.
• When Jack is talking with Dolores, he puts his hands up his shirt and you can see the wire for the Lavalier microphone.