Patch Adams Essay, Research Paper

Robin Williams brings to life the true story of Patch Adams, a non-conformist doctor who is on a mission to reform the medical system. Patch Adams starts from his days as a mental patient and ends with graduation from medical school. The beauty of this film is that it takes us on an emotional journey that is fun and touching, even if it s heavy-handed at times. This was a great movie because of the cast of characters, the great story telling and the comedic and emotional aspect

Patch Adams was so enjoyable because it was a perfect film for actor/comedian Robin Williams. The comedic moments given to Williams are wildly funny. One of the most delightful moments was when Patch went into the children s ward of the hospital and began to turn on his Robin Williams humor. The kids immediately lightened up and found a haven from their sick plight. Robin Williams also shone when he delivered a flawless performance of his characters dramatic side of the movie. At the films climax he was brought before the medical board with charges of practicing medicine without a license. Williams s delivered an impassioned speech against the indifference doctors have towards their patients and even life itself. Not only does this movie shine with Williams antics, but the supporting cast was also strong. Patch Adam s girlfriend Carin, played by Monica Potter was a beautiful woman who was determined to become a doctor, who gradually let her emotional barriers down, to help Patch build his own hospital. Philip Hoffman portrayed Adams arrogant roommate Mitch, who believed that studying was all that counts and Dean Walcott played by Bob Gunton was the villainous Dean who refused to see things in a different perspective.

Other great aspects of the movie were the great story telling, comedy and the emotions that tugged at hearts of everyone. One of the great story moments of the film was when Patch Adams recognized that laughter was the best cure for medicine. He also recognized as a student that many poor people were not being treated. As a student he formed the Gesundheit Clinic to aid those who were not getting proper treatment at the hospital. After creating this free Clinic he used laughter and humor to ease the pain and suffering of the diseased. Patch enjoyed connecting with people, he believed that when you connect with the person you succeed, whether the person lives or dies. He focused on giving quality of life rather than just fighting inevitable death. I wish that all doctors held this position. The comedy aspect of this movie will keep you wondering what the next joke will be. From his antics at the hospital to his charm at a meat packer conference, you will be sure to laugh throughout the movie. The events of the movie just make the inevitable easier to face, so that means you’ll often be laughing through your tears. Throughout the twists and turns of the movie your emotions it will soar and plummet like a roller coaster.

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun newspaper did not enjoy this movie. Roger Ebert thought Robin Williams as a pain in the wazoo. If this guy broke into my hospital room and started tap dancing with bedpans on his feet, I d call the cops (Roger Ebert review). Roger Ebert thought the movie made him, want to spray the screen with Lysol, and would not recommend this movie to be seen.

This was a touching story about dedication, dreams and inspirations. Even though Roger Ebert thought Patch Adams was a quackery and a medical misfire. The bottom line, laughter does promote healing. This movie will definitely make you laugh and cry.

Works Cited

Ebert, Roger. Patch Adams. Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper.1998. 3 October1999