Living with the Dead (2002)

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.

Director:

Stephen Gyllenhaal

Writers:

James Van Praagh (book), John Pielmeier

Stars:

Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Diane Ladd

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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
Maggie Blue O'Hara	...	Sandy - Andy's deaf sister
Queen Latifah	...	Midge Harmon
Jack Palance	...	Allan Van Praagh
Reece Thompson	...	Andy, Abducted Boy
Neil Denis	...	Dennis Branston
Mikela Jay	...	Young Regina Van Praagh (as Mikela J. Mikael)
Eric Breker	...	Young Allan Van Praagh

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

close up of eye | detective | murder | guilt | catholic | 

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Taglines:

The dead are talking. One man is listening.

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Crime | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 April 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Talking to Heaven

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Nitelite Entertainment, CBS, Gaslight Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

240 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

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Connections

References The Sixth Sense (1999)

User Reviews

Excellent - no other word

I didn't expect much from that film. I was wrong. A man who can see the dead and talk with them is a risky subject. Besides, made for television movies dealing with supernatural events are often disappointing. Producers and directors seem to be afraid to scare audience in any way, and network self-censure doesn't improve that. "Living With The Dead" is a miraculous exception that could break the rule - if television gives us more like this. The actors are all excellent, with a special mention to Ted Danson, who probably gives here his finest performance. Mary Steenburgen is fine too, and both Jack Palance and Diane Ladd are too famous for I say how good they are. The screenplay is excellent, one of the best in TV's history. It alternates chilling and moving moments without any false note, using misdirection and red herrings with consummate skill. The whodunit is remarkably held and will let you guessing until the end. Characters are well-drawn, three-dimensional, not the puppets that one usually see in that kind of productions. A closer look reveals an intelligent reflection on death and how deal with it behind the thriller elements. And don't forget the most important thing: it REALLY SCARES. As I've said above, TV movies are rather weak on that. Not "Living With The Dead", that had me starting, shouting and shuddering more than once, without any gory effect. Kudos to the director. So if you like first-rate ghost stories, that one is a must-see for you. Don't miss it. Maybe the dead are behind you... Don't displease them!