Plastic Man (1999) (TV)

Director:

Sarah Pia Anderson

Writer:

Robin Mukherjee (writer)

Release Date:

12 May 1999 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A seemingly happily married, successful plastic surgeon embarks on a torrid affair with tragic consequences for his marriage and those close to him. |

Plot Keywords:

Affair | Marriage | Plastic Surgeon | Family Relationships | Infidelity

Cast

John Thaw	...	Joe MacConnell
Sorcha Cusack	...	Erin MacConnell
Frances Barber	...	Louise Fermen
Phillipa Peak	...	Anna MacConnell
Stuart Piper	...	James MacConnell
Sophie Stanton	...	Claire Persey
Martin Marquez	...	Steve Persey
Eddie Marsan	...	Liam Cooper
Melissa Wilson	...	Jesse Finch
Amanda Orton	...	Ward Sister Julia
Shaun Parkes	...	Adam Okoye
Chris Naylor	...	Phil
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Teresa Carter	...	Ginnie
Steven Crossley	...	Priest
Bob Cryer	...	Disco Man
Frank Grimes	...	Father Connor
David Nicolson	...	Mark McConnell
Justin Shevlin	...	George
Harry Taylor	...	Pub landlord

Runtime:

120 min (2 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

Sally Head Productions

Nothing plastic about this plot

The mini-series is a popular format these days, since the length makes it possible for complex and interwoven plots to unfold, with enough time for detailed character development. And the separation of episodes is designed to give us the pleasure of anticipating the denouement.

It is a shame that so many efforts in the genre disappoint, but 'Plastic Man' gives us everything we need.

This is an intelligently scripted and crafted piece with almost flawless performances by the substantial cast of significant characters. So many of the situations and dilemmas of modern life are illustrated here that it is an almost uncomfortable parade of insights into the human condition.

We get the full gamut of marital and family complications - power and respectability, an affair, death of a loved one, expectation, disillusion and disappointment, boredom with the familiar, betrayal, enlightened lust, the wilful outcast, insecurity, uncertainty, the bold but fearful step in a new direction, acceptance, forgiveness - enough for a whole season of soap episodes, but delivered here in a 3 hour package. But unlike the tawdry amateur dramatics of most soaps, the tightness of script and plausibility of the characters gives us a satisfying snapshot of many of the issues confronting two whole generations and reminds us of the near-impossibility of living a fulfilling but uncomplicated life. It is always illuminating (if slightly disappointing) to see that no-one should be envied for apparently 'having it all'.