The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988)

Dennis Jennings is an introverted daydreamer, sleepwalking through life. He is a professional waiter and has an equally-dull girlfriend, Emma. In an attempt to release his pent-up feelings ... See full summary »

Director:

Dean Parisot

Writers:

Steven Wright, Mike Armstrong

Stars:

Steven Wright, Rowan Atkinson, Laurie Metcalf

Won 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Steven Wright	...	Dennis Jennings
Rowan Atkinson	...	Dr. Schooner
Laurie Metcalf	...	Emma
Carrotte	...	Laughing Psychiatrist
Christopher Durang	...	Laughing Psychiatrist
Martha Gehman	...	Lisa
Joe Grifasi	...	Bartender
Thomas Ikeda	...	Laughing Psychiatrist
Dana Ivey	...	Newscaster
Peter Maloney	...	Dr. Wilson
Michael Mantell	...	Businessman
Bill McCutcheon	...	Man on TV
Mick Muldoon	...	Repairman
Rochelle Oliver	...	Woman on TV
David Hyde Pierce	...	Businessman (as David Pierce)

Storyline

Dennis Jennings is an introverted daydreamer, sleepwalking through life. He is a professional waiter and has an equally-dull girlfriend, Emma. In an attempt to release his pent-up feelings of isolation, he begins seeing a psychiatrist, only to discover that the doctor is somewhat less than interested in what he has to say. After finding his doctor sharing his intimate secrets with a group of fellow psychiatrists at a bar, he then learns the doctor has a another more unprofessional involvement in his life.

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Plot Keywords:

independent film | character name in title

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Genres:

Comedy | Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 September 1988 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Home Box Office (HBO), Schooner Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

29 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Occasioned one of the shortest Oscar award speeches ever. Steven Wright looked at Mike Armstrong and said, "I guess it's a good thing we cut those extra twenty minutes. Thank you".

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Connections

Featured in Two Mikes Don't Make a Wright (1993)

User Reviews

If you want to laugh see this

This short film is the most hilarious I have ever seen. I saw it on HBO in either 91 or 92. The humor is on a deadpan version but is hilarious because the viewer can relate to such things. Unlike most comedy films which contain slapstick humor put in by the filmaker with a "There, that's funny audience now laugh because your supposed to" intention this film just has events happening and you can't help but be amused.