Wit (2001)

A renowned professor is forced to reassess her life when she is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer.

Director:

Mike Nichols

Writers:

Margaret Edson (play), Emma Thompson (teleplay)

Stars:

Emma Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, Eileen Atkins

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 11 wins & 19 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Emma Thompson	...	Vivian Bearing
Christopher Lloyd	...	Dr. Harvey Kelekian
Eileen Atkins	...	Evelyn 'E.M.' Ashford
Audra McDonald	...	Susie Monahan
Jonathan M. Woodward	...	Dr. Jason Posner
Harold Pinter	...	Mr. Bearing (Vivian's Father)
Rebecca Laurie	...	Vivian aged 5
Su Lin Looi	...	Nurse (as Su-Lin Looi)
Raffaello Degruttola	...	Technician 1
Miquel Brown	...	Technician 2
Hari Dhillon	...	Fellow 1 (as Harry Dillon)
Benedict Wong	...	Fellow 2
Alex Gregor	...	Fellow 3
Lachele Carl	...	Fellow 4
David Menkin	...	Student 1

Storyline

Based on the Margaret Edson play, Vivian Bearing is a literal, hardnosed English professor who has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. During the story, she reflects on her reactions to the cycle the cancer takes, the treatments, and significant events in her life. The people that watch over her are Jason Posner, who only finds faith in being a doctor; Susie Monahan, a nurse with a human side that is the only one in the hospital that cares for Vivian's condition; and Dr. Kelekian, the head doctor who just wants results no matter what they are.

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Plot Keywords:

medical drama | existentialism | cancer | professor | doctor | 

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Taglines:

It appears to be a matter of life and death.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some thematic material

Details

Official Sites:

e-Pipoca - synopsis, gallery, trailer [Brazil] (Portuguese)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 March 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

W;t

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films,Avenue Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Patricia Clarkson was considered for the lead role before Emma Thompson was cast.

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Goofs

The size of Vivian's and Susie's popsicles.

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Quotes

Vivian Bearing: I'm in terrible pain. Susie says i need to begin aggressive pain management if i'm going to stand it. It. Such a little word. I think in this case 'it' signifies 'being alive'.

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Connections

Featured in The 59th Annual Golden Globe Awards (2002)

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Soundtracks

The Unanswered Question
Written by Charles Ives
Performed by Orchestra of St. Lukes
Conducted by John Adams
Courtesy of Nonesuch Records
Under License From Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Moving,very realistic look at fighting cancer

Having known far too many people who've gone through this, I can say without hesitation that they got the details nailed down when it comes to the effects of chemotherapy. Emma Thompson does her usual marvelous job and Christopher Lloyd does a surprisingly understated turn as her doctor. But the actress playing the nurse (Audra McDonald, I believe is her name) almost steals the film. I won't be the same for quite some time. Highly recommended.