The Doctor

William Hurt stars as a brilliant but glib and somewhat obtuse heart surgeon who finds his life turned around when he is diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his throat. Despite enjoying the status of attending physician at a San Francisco hospital, Dr. Jack MacKee (Hurt) is treated no differently than any other vulnerable patient only a few floors below his own professional terrain—which he doesn’t like one bit. MacKee’s outrage pivots to a heretofore unknown empathy for all patients when he begins to see himself in the way his own dismissive doctor (Wendy Crewson) ignores his fears and discomfort. Elizabeth Perkins costars as June, who is dying of brain cancer and becomes an influential friend to Jack, helping him understand the mortal stakes of a potentially terminal disease. June also is perceived as a threat by Jack’s wife (Christine Lahti), who has been emotionally marginalized during her husband’s crisis. A nice supporting cast including Mandy Patinkin, Adam Arkin, and Charlie Korsmo add luster to this 1991 prestige movie that is well-directed by Randa Haines, adapted from a 1988 book by Dr. Edward Rosenbaum about his own experience. Extras include an audio commentary by Haines moderated by filmmaker Heather Buckley. Recommended. (T. Keogh)