MovieChat Forums > Patch Adams (1998) Discussion > Please tell me I'm not the only one who ...

Please tell me I'm not the only one who LOVES this movie!

posted 10 years ago by highlandpercussion
4 replies | jump to latest

I think I understand the criticism against Patch Adams: overtly-sentimental, and the like. But I don't see it like that at all!

The movie I see is about a troubled man who found a calling, and tried to help people around him see things his way. Being a doctor (according to Patch in the film) isn't just about physically healing, it's about spiritually healing. And that isn't possible if a doctor isn't willing to be a friend, as well as physician, to a patient.

Another thread on this board suggests that Robin Williams' portrayal of Patch is (among many adjectives) a "jerk" and "obnoxious". I respectfully disagree; Mr. Williams portrayed Mr. Adams as someone with a decidedly unusual enthusiasm for instilling laughter in others, but only because he saw that it helped spark something in them. Furthermore, he wanted his fellow physicians to "lighten up" and see that their approach (purely clinical, where the doctor is above the patient) was misguided.

I openly welcome thoughts (for or against) my position!

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] WizardsMug 10 years ago

i just finished watching the movie. and the music made me crinch to the point i wished i could turn it off. i tried but there weren't subtitles available unfortunately.

what irked me is that it seemed that the producer didn't trust the performance of the actors to bring the emotions across.

i read that in real life a male friend died why change that to make the story even more bitter sweet. unless it was a gay friendship then why leave another layer out?
i also read that real life patch was disappointed that the film was one dimensional and i agree.

there is much more that i could go on about.

what you wrote about is the basic premise of the movie and yes that did come across for me as well.

but since the coating was just too sweet i feel l might have been better off reading the book.
the most important thing this movie did for me was bring the existence of that man to my attention.
i just wish they'd done a better job. the one liner: if you treat a patient you win no matter what. was really good. his whole speech in the courtroom was great. but the score really stressed me out.
still it's great if you enjoyed it. everybody has different tastes. we can't please everybody.

[–] MuggySphere 9 years ago

No you are not. I saw this when it was first in movie theatres and loved it.

Have hunted it down on DVD for myself. Love this film

[–] NobodymournstheWicked 9 years ago

I love the movie too but I haven't watched it since 2014 or whenever before the deaths of Robin Williams and Philip Seymour Hoffman.