Many, many theatrical productions have tried to portray what it is like for a person (or a family) to live with a psychic gift. (ie: Medium, Sixth Sense, Providence, to name only a few). This production excels at this on many levels. I don't know if it is the masterful direction of Stephen Gyllenhaal, the exceptional ensemble cast (Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson, Queen Latifah, Jack Palance, Diane Ladd) or the involvement of the actual character in the writing, but this teleplay is given the treatment it deserves by all involved. This is not just a vehicle for the husband/wife team of Danson/Steenburgen. You can feel everyone's commitment to giving this story authenticity and humanity. Nothing is treated glibly or lightly or taken for granted. The title character is quite unwilling to trust his own visions until they insist on his attention by destroying his business and nearly his sanity. Before proceeding any further I must confess to being a skeptic. I don't personally believe in spirits communicating with living persons. But my grandson fully believes he can see and talk to spirits. How do I deal with that? I have learned to listen and sympathize but not believe. But that means I have been faced with the same problems that so many people in the movie seem to endure. One learns to walk a thin line, trying not to encourage or discourage, just to accept.
That is the theme of this work, acceptance.
But, back to the excellent acting and great directing. One of Palance's last dramatic roles, a little heavy-handed turn by Danson. But great understated subtlety by Steenburgen. A good watch on a rainy afternoon (4 hours long). I recommend it.
That is the theme of this work, acceptance.
But, back to the excellent acting and great directing. One of Palance's last dramatic roles, a little heavy-handed turn by Danson. But great understated subtlety by Steenburgen. A good watch on a rainy afternoon (4 hours long). I recommend it.