In the filmography of the late Robin Williams there is a work that was released in April 1999: Patch Adams. Directed by Tom Shadyack, a filmmaker who has spent most of his career in the XXL comedy genre (Professor Folding, Liar, Liar, Ace Ventura, Evan Almighty…), the film is inspired by a true story. And very disturbing indeed.
of Hunter Patch Adams. It all started in 1969. Committed to a mental hospital after a suicide attempt, he discovered that he had a knack for comforting patients through his clowning. In 1971, Patch began studying medicine. His cheerfulness immediately attracts the enmity of his fellow students and the enmity of Rector Walcott. But the patch continues. Deeply convinced of the validity of his philosophy, he successfully applied his theories.
While Robin Williams had a hand-picked role in the film, critics weren’t too kind to the production, which grossed just over $200 million at the international box office. Not exactly a disaster, but not a triumph either; Especially considering that the production of the company still cost 90 million dollars.
“There was not a single positive article about me after the film”
Ironically, one of the harshest criticisms was that of the real Dr. Patch. His reservations about the film stemmed from the liberties it took with his life story and the heavy omission of events and challenges he faced. such as the tragic murder of his best friend. In the film, this close friend turned into a love interest. Which is actually not the same thing…
in the given interview New Renaissance MagazineDr. Patch lamented that the film had a detrimental effect on the public’s perception of him and his mission: “After the film, there was not a single positive article about our work or about me, there was nonsense, nonsense… It made my children cry.. A very/overly simplistic vision, very Hollywood after all, gave a sense of incomprehensibility in his approach.
But he also criticized the film for reducing his life’s work to a simple comic routine, fearing that audiences would see him as just a “jolly doctor”: “I knew the movie would do that. I’d make a funny doctor. Imagine how shallow that is.” One should not expect miracles from such a filmmaker, especially from a screenwriter who is not known for subtlety of approach…
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
