A Hollywood psychiatrist, Henry Carter, is in dire need of help himself. One wonders how this pot smoking therapist could even be treating patients that are really screwed up. Not only that, he has written a book that is a 'must read', according to people that know. Carter is going through a rough period in his life because he is wounded man suffering after his wife committed suicide. Even his father's advice has any effect in him.
Dr. Carter's patients are a mixed lot. The gorgeous actress Kate Amberson can't cope with an obsession about growing old in a town that doesn't forgive anyone for doing so. There is Patrick, an agent with an elite clientele who is a hypochondriac with a compulsive disorder. Jack another actor, has a drinking problem and a sexual addiction. The young black teenager, Jemma, is recovering from a family tragedy. One can help wondering how can a man that needs all the help himself be objective in treating these assorted characters.
Jonas Pate, the director, working on the screenplay by Thomas Moffett, takes the viewer into that rarefied world of wounded people who aren't dealing with reality. Lucas Ettlin and Isaac Phillips cinematography does wonders to add to the atmosphere of the film. Brian Reitzell original score works well.
Kevin Spacey, one of the best actors of his generation, tends to surprise us with his choices of films roles, not always as good as he deserves. His Henry Carter is not one of his best creations, but it's impossible to ignore him whenever he appears on the screen. Dallas Roberts brings to life his character. Saffron Burrows makes a case for her aging actress. Robin Williams and Gore Vidal make cameo appearances.
One can only hope never to be treated by a shrink like Henry Carter though!
Dr. Carter's patients are a mixed lot. The gorgeous actress Kate Amberson can't cope with an obsession about growing old in a town that doesn't forgive anyone for doing so. There is Patrick, an agent with an elite clientele who is a hypochondriac with a compulsive disorder. Jack another actor, has a drinking problem and a sexual addiction. The young black teenager, Jemma, is recovering from a family tragedy. One can help wondering how can a man that needs all the help himself be objective in treating these assorted characters.
Jonas Pate, the director, working on the screenplay by Thomas Moffett, takes the viewer into that rarefied world of wounded people who aren't dealing with reality. Lucas Ettlin and Isaac Phillips cinematography does wonders to add to the atmosphere of the film. Brian Reitzell original score works well.
Kevin Spacey, one of the best actors of his generation, tends to surprise us with his choices of films roles, not always as good as he deserves. His Henry Carter is not one of his best creations, but it's impossible to ignore him whenever he appears on the screen. Dallas Roberts brings to life his character. Saffron Burrows makes a case for her aging actress. Robin Williams and Gore Vidal make cameo appearances.
One can only hope never to be treated by a shrink like Henry Carter though!