Dr. T & The Women DVD Review

Director Robert Altman's dark comedy Dr. T and the Women centers around Dr. Sullivan Travis, who, although surrounded by women in his work, can't seem to control the women in his personal life. His wife's mental state has deteriorated, forcing her into a mental institution, one of his two daughters is soon to be married, and he finds himself drawn to the new golf instructor.The first scene of Dr. T and the Women, an overpowering shot that lasts nearly six minutes without a cut, attempted to set the tone for the rest of the film. A number of women are huddled in a small waiting room, bickering amongst themselves and complaining to the receptionists about how long they have been waiting to see their gynecologist Dr. T (played by Richard Gere). This overwhelmingly long and crowded shot serves its purpose: the audience is made aware of the hectic atmosphere that develops every day in the office. However, after this engaging opening, it becomes apparent that the director, screenwriter, and cinematographer decided to go on strike, and last-minute replacements were recruited to finish the film. Although this is an exaggeration, the film does take a turn for the worse after the first five minutes.Many, if not most of the shots leave the audience in a state of confusion as to what the director could have possibly been thinking while filming. During some of the incredibly poorly planned scenes, I found myself reshooting the film in my head, placing the camera at different spots on the set, distracting myself from the story and removing myself from the film.A film's main goal is to keep the audience engaged, whether it's from the powerful performances, witty dialogue, thought-provoking story, or breathtaking cinematography. Apparently the screenwriter Anne Rapp wanted the audience to find themselves bored beyond belief, for neither her characters nor her plot is original or intriguing. It is no surprise that Bree (played by Helen Hunt) will not remain faithful to Dr. T, because she never acts as though she is interested in him in the first place. There is no suspense during the wedding, no wondering who Dee Dee (played by Kate Hudson) will choose, for Rapp only spent time on Dee Dee's relationship with her maid-of-honor (played by Liv Tyler). Rapp never exposes the audience to a romantic connection between Dee Dee and her fianc? so the only love story is between Dee Dee and Marilyn. Her choice is predictable; there is no conflict. The filmmakers of Dr. T could not make up their minds whether to film a comedy or a drama, and the result is a bizarre and ineffective mix between the two genres. Farrah Fawcett's entire character is as unnecessary as Dee Dee's cheerleading scene, Dorothy Chambliss' unexplained attitude, and the unrealistic ending of the film. After such a disappointing film, any attempt to salvage Dr. T with overt symbolism, correlating the tornado to the upheaval in Dr. T's life, is wasted. However, giving credit where it's due, the cast of Dr. T is a talented group of actors, with wonderful performances all around. Richard Gere, in the title role, gives a realistic and genuine performance. His subtlety serves as a contrast to the women around him; he is the glue that holds the film together. Farrah Fawcett, although the minor character of Dr. T's wife, had perhaps the most challenging role, for it would have been easy to turn her childish antics into comic relief. Fawcett successfully portrays the tragedy of a full-grown woman whose mind has reverted to that of a child, giving the strongest performance in the film.