Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
James Spader | ... | Dr. Werner Ernst | |
Kyra Sedgwick | ... | Felicia Potter | |
Helen Mirren | ... | Stella | |
Anne Bancroft | ... | Nun | |
Albert Brooks | ... | Dr. Butz | |
Jeffrey Wright | ... | Bed Two | |
Margo Martindale | ... | Connie Potter | |
Wallace Shawn | ... | Furnaceman | |
Philip Bosco | ... | Dr. Hofstader | |
Colm Feore | ... | Wilson | |
Edward Herrmann | ... | Robert Payne | |
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James Lally | ... | Poindexter |
Harvey Atkin | ... | Judge Fatale | |
Al Waxman | ... | Sheldon Hatchett | |
Hamish McEwan | ... | Hansen |
Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) is a young hospital resident who becomes embroiled in a legal battle between two half-sisters who are fighting over the care of their comatose father. But are they really fighting over their father's care, or over his ten million dollar estate? Meanwhile, Werner must contend with his nutty supervisor, who insists that he only care for patients with full insurance. Can Werner sidestep the hospital's legal team and do what's best for the patient? Written by Martin Lewison <mlewison@utk.edu>
Not bad medical drama hampered by the fact that for a great deal of the film Spader's character behaves like an idiot. This isn't the actors fault, he gives as good a performance as possible considering the actions forced on him by the script. He is certainly supported by a high quality cast in almost every role. Kyra Sedgwick is annoying and not terribly convincing but she is the lone sore spot. Helen Mirren is wonderful as an understanding and compassionate nurse and Albert Brooks a stitch as a loony doctor well past his sell by date. The script has many holes but it does make a strong plea for doctors seeing patients as people not just science projects and sources of income.