The Medicine Show Movie Review 2001

Dark comedy in which sarcastic cartoon writer Taylor (Silverman) is diagnosed with colon cancer. As the disease, and treatment, progresses, he views the reactions of co-workers and family, the absurdity of the hospital experience, and impending surgery with sardonic wit. This is a welcome departure from the treacly, disease-of-the week approach most filmmakers take to the subject. The proceedings begin to lose their edge, however, when Taylor meets, and begins a romance with cute, quirky leukemia patient Lynn. Silverman does an excellent job in the lead role. Based on the experiences of writer-director Morris.

Distribution

Showtime Networks, Inc., 5120 E. La Palma, No. 103, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807, Email: customerservice@sho.com, URL: http://www.SHO.com

Available on DVD
Running time 100 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Black Comedy, Doctors & Nurses, Terminal Illness

Screenplay

Wendell Morris

Cast

Jonathan Silverman, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Greg Grunberg, Kari Wuhrer, Annabelle Gurwitch, Maz Jobrani, Dennis Libscomb

Cinematography

Ramsay Nickell

Director

Wendell Morris