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The Films of Randa Haines

The Jilting of Granny Weatherall

Something About Amelia

Children of a Lesser God

The Doctor (February 8/16)

Based on a book by real-life physician Ed Rosenbaum, The Doctor follows high-powered surgeon Jack MacKee (William Hurt) as he's diagnosed with throat cancer and subsequently forced to endure less-than-humane treatment in the hands of the American medical system. It's clear immediately that The Doctor benefits substantially from an atmosphere of (what seems like) palpable authenticity, as director Randa Haines, working from a script by Robert Caswell, does a nice job of establishing the film's hospital locale and the various doctors, nurses, and support staff that dwell within. The promising vibe is undoubtedly heightened by Hurt's typically stellar (and thoroughly sympathetic) turn as the affable protagonist, with the actor's superb work matched by a strong cast of periphery players that includes Mandy Patinkin, Adam Arkin, Elizabeth Perkins, and Christine Lahti. There's little doubt, however, that The Doctor's overlong running time paves the way for an almost excessively meandering midsection, with Haines' decision to employ an egregiously deliberate pace slowly-but-surely draining one's enthusiasm for the central character's exploits. The continued presence of unexpectedly poignant moments plays a key role in keeping things interesting throughout, and it's worth noting, too, that the movie ends on a fairly touching (and optimistic) note - which, in the end, confirms The Doctor's place as a relatively solid yet erratically-paced little drama.

out of

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The Ron Clark Story

© David Nusair