I approached this film with some trepidation as I'm not particularly keen on Richard Gere but the premise intrigued me. Gere was pretty much as expected, unconvincing as the psychiatrist, not displaying any of the warmth & empathy that the doctor, on whose work the film is based, must have had in abundance. The idea of humanising patients was contrary to the practice of psychiatry then &, unfortunately, is still prevalent in some measure up to the present day.
What lifts the film is the truly extraordinary cadre of Christs. The performances of Dinklage & Goggins, in particular, are wonderful. All three actors portray their "Chist" with sensitivity & nuance but are hampered by the uneven pacing of the film throughout. Some skilful directing &/or editing could have tightened up the storyline, ensuring that the viewer's attention was fully engaged at all times. Instead, I found myself checking the run time & fighting the urge to fast forward about three quarters of the way in!
In short, a film that would have benefitted from tighter direction & a different actor as the psychiatrist, saved by the three glorious performances of the trinity of Christs.
What lifts the film is the truly extraordinary cadre of Christs. The performances of Dinklage & Goggins, in particular, are wonderful. All three actors portray their "Chist" with sensitivity & nuance but are hampered by the uneven pacing of the film throughout. Some skilful directing &/or editing could have tightened up the storyline, ensuring that the viewer's attention was fully engaged at all times. Instead, I found myself checking the run time & fighting the urge to fast forward about three quarters of the way in!
In short, a film that would have benefitted from tighter direction & a different actor as the psychiatrist, saved by the three glorious performances of the trinity of Christs.