Gross Anatomy (1989)

A smart first-year med student takes nothing seriously, except the pursuit of his Gross Anatomy (human dissection) lab partner. It's up to her and their teacher to find a way to convince ... See full summary »

Director:

Thom Eberhardt

Writers:

Mark Spragg (story), Howard Rosenman (story)

Stars:

Matthew Modine, Daphne Zuniga, Christine Lahti

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew Modine	...	Joe Slovak
Daphne Zuniga	...	Laurie Rorbach
Christine Lahti	...	Dr. Rachel Woodruff
Todd Field	...	David Schreiner
John Scott Clough	...	Miles Reed
Alice Carter	...	Kim McCauley
Robert Desiderio	...	Dr. Banks
Zakes Mokae	...	Dr. Banumbra
Clyde Kusatsu	...	Interviewing Professor
John Petlock	...	Interviewing Professor
J. Patrick McNamara	...	Interviewing Professor
Jan Munroe	...	Interviewing Professor
Kay E. Kuter	...	Lecturing Professor
Michael Flanagan	...	Lecturing Professor
Don Perry	...	Lecturing Professor

Storyline

A smart first-year med student takes nothing seriously, except the pursuit of his Gross Anatomy (human dissection) lab partner. It's up to her and their teacher to find a way to convince him to take his studies and life seriously.

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Plot Keywords:

gas mask | medical test | medical terminology | stethoscope exam | basketball | 

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Taglines:

It Takes Hard Work, Discipline, And Committment To Get Through Med School. But Joe's Never Done Anything By The Book.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Thom Eberhardt had a disagreement with the studio over the love scene between Matthew Modine and Daphine Zuniga in which Eberhardt felt that their flirtation and feelings each other had already been built up to the point that their it had been time to for the audience to see pay it off.

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Goofs

The buccinator muscle is primarily a muscle of facial expression, although it is also an assistant muscle of mastication.

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Quotes

David Schreiner: You know, when I filled out my housing application, I asked for a roommate who was quiet, serious, and neat. How did you describe yourself?
Joe Slovak: I lied.

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Alternate Versions

There are at least two versions of this film in circulation. When the Premium Channel Showtime showed the film around 1990-1991 the following scenes were different: During the interview process, when Matthew Modine is being questioned by the admissions staff, a funny line existed in the film where one of them asks, "Why are you here?" Modine's character (Joe Slovack) responds, "I look good in white." This dialog was not present in Showtime's version of the film.

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Connections

Referenced in Doogie Howser, M.D.: Blood and Remembrance (1989)

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Soundtracks

David's Theme
Written by Todd Field

User Reviews

not to be confused with the "Anatomy" horror movies

i liked this movie.it's about first year medical students and what they go through.it focuses specifically on a small group of five in particular.it's a drama more than anything.it the first half of the movie is pretty light in tone,but the second half is much more serious in tone.in fact,there are two heartbreaking scenes in the second half, which got me pretty emotional.but that's just me.this is a very much a character and story driven movie and it succeeds,in my mind,at least mostly.the acting is pretty good.Matthew Modine, Daphne Zuniga and Christine are the main actors.all are likable characters,in their own way. .overall, well written,well acted movie.not great, but pretty good.for me,"Gross Anatomy" is an 7/10

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gross Anatomy

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles Harbor, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,830,387, 22 October 1989

Gross USA:

$11,604,598

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$11,604,598

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hill/Rosenman, Sandollar Productions, Silver Screen Partners IV

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1