FRANK OZ
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBB.5.
USA, 1991. Touchstone Pictures, Touchwood Pacific Partners 1. Story by Alvin Sargent, Laura Ziskin, Screenplay by Tom Schulman. Cinematography by Michael Ballhaus. Produced by Laura Ziskin. Music by Miles Goodman. Production Design by Leslie Dilley. Costume Design by Bernie Pollack. Film Editing by Anne V. Coates.
A psychiatrist will be criticized by his family for not being able to leave his work at the office, but what if his work follows him home? Richard Dreyfuss plays an exasperated shrink whose patience is tried by a recluse (Bill Murray) who decides he can’t do anything without his doctor’s help. Dreyfuss has just made a name for himself going on Good Morning America to promote his book “Baby Steps”, a book whose message and meaning Murray believes is the only thing that can help him leave his apartment (which he never does). Trouble is, when he does finally venture out into the world he goes straight to Dreyfuss’ New Hampshire vacation home where the shrink is spending the summer with his entire family. The effect Murray has on his doctor tests the categorical nature of “crazy” versus “sane” in a charming comedy that has terrific performances (including Julie Hagerty as Dreyfuss’ patient wife) to recommend it.
