Living with the Dead (2002) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Stephen Gyllenhaal

Writers (WGA):

James Van Praagh (book)
John Pielmeier (written by)

Release Date:

28 April 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

The dead are talking. One man is listening.

Plot:

A man begins to have disturbing visions of dead people, among whom are his mother and victims of a local serial killer. The detective investigating the murders looks to him for help in solving the case. |

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Detective | Ghost | Flashback Sequence | Catholic

Awards:

3 nominations

Cast

Ted Danson	...	James Van Praagh
Mary Steenburgen	...	Detective Karen Condrin
Diane Ladd	...	Regina Van Praagh
Michael Moriarty	...	Adrian, Psychic
Donna White
Connor Widdows	...	Young James Van Praagh
Joy Coghill	...	Mrs. Ziff
Jay Brazeau	...	Psychiatrist
Queen Latifah	...	Midge Harmon
Maggie Blue O'Hara	...	Sandy, Deaf Girl
Jack Palance	...	Allan Van Praagh
Reece Thompson	...	Andy, Abducted Boy
Neil Denis	...	Dennis Branston
Mikela J. Mikael	...	Young Regina Van Praagh
Eric Breker	...	Young Allan Van Praagh

Also Known As:

Talking to Heaven (Europe: English title) (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for violent and disturbing content, and thematic elements.

Runtime:

UK:142 min | USA:240 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Trivia:

James Van Praagh, the author of the book this film is based on and real-life version of Ted Danson's character, appears in this film as the organ player.

Movie Connections:

References The Sixth Sense (1999)

TV Movie Making At Its Best

This fine two-part TV movie held my interest from beginning to end and was even more exciting than "The Sixth Sense," which covered somewhat similar subject matter. Ted Danson was very good as a man who could see the dead and had a difficult time coping with this unwanted gift. People used to seeing him in "Cheers" and "Becker" will be impressed that he is equally effective in a dramatic role. Mary Steenbergen and other cast members were also very good in their roles. The biggest praise must go the the writers for producing a script that never let the viewer get bored or restless. The fact that this movie is based on a real person and a true story somehow makes life better for me.