Critical Care (1997)
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59% of critics liked it
(17 reviews) -
29% of users liked it
(1,276 ratings)
Sidney Lumet filmed this hospital satire at a Canadian studio. Alcoholic Dr. Butz (Albert Brooks in old-age makeup) advises younger Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) to only treat patients with much insurance. "When the lawyers start crawling all over you," says Butz, "that's when… More Sidney Lumet filmed this hospital satire at a Canadian studio. Alcoholic Dr. Butz (Albert Brooks in old-age makeup) advises younger Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) to only treat patients with much insurance. "When the lawyers start crawling all over you," says Butz, "that's when you know you're a doctor." Ernst, a second-year resident working in the ICU with head nurse Stella (Helen Mirren), winds up in the middle of a dispute between two sisters (Kyra Sedgwick and Margo Martindale). One wants to pull the plug on their wealthy father; the other demands that he remain alive (at a cost of $112,800 a month). Soon events swivel from the money-mad medical mire to equally murky legalistics. Steven Schwartz's screenplay was adapted from the novel by Richard Dooling. Shown at the 1997 Chicago Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- Sidney Lumet
- Written By
- Steven S. Schwartz
- Genres
- Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Oct 31, 1997 Wide
- On DVD
- Mar 15, 2000
- Studio
- Live Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
...it emerges as a magically entertaining blend of heart, soul, mind, wit, farce and, finally, an idyllic idealism.
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Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Lumet moves with confidence between satire and intriguing, heightened-reality spirituality.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
There's not much that's subtle in Lumet's tirade against the greed of the medical profession and health-care system and patients who sue.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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James Spader
as Dr. Werner Ernst
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Kyra Sedgwick
as Felicia Potter
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Helen Mirren
as Stella
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Margo Martindale
as Connie Potter
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Jeffrey Wright
as Bed Two
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Wallace Shawn
as Furnaceman
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Anne Bancroft
as Nun
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Albert Brooks
as Dr. Butz
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Philip Bosco
as Dr. Hofstader
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Edward Herrmann
as Robert Payne
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Colm Feore
as Wilson
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James Lally
as Poindexter
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Al Waxman
as Sheldon Hatchett
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Harvey Atkin
as Judge Fatale
