Patch Adams (1998) [Movie Review]


Dir: Tom Shadyac
Starring: Robin Williams, Monica Potter, Philip Hoffman, Bob Gunton
Dur: 1 hr 55 mins
Genre: Inspirational Drama
PG: A Few Kisses
Rating: 7/10

This is a great film based on the book Gesundheit: Good Health is a Laughing Matter written by Dr Patch Adams and Maureen Mylander. It documents the real story of Hunter “Patch” Adams who goes from being an inmate at a mental institution to being a beloved doctor who believes that medicine is a vocation and not a profession. His ideas and methods got him and those who surrounded him into a lot of trouble but ultimately also brought about better results. The story is indeed inspiring and proved to be all the more poignant since the lead role was played by none other than Robin Williams, a great comedian and actor whose life much like that of Patch consisted of lots of fun and laughter but hid a deep wound.


I think that every medical student and doctor ought to watch this film although it is quite old. It showcases values that are universal and unbound by time. It speaks of the value of the patient, of diagnosis as not being simply a clinical, cold procedure but one that takes the patient into account and lots more that I don’t want to say here lest I spoil it for those who will go on to watch this wonderful film. It ironic, as I pointed out earlier, that Robin Williams plays a doctor who uses humour to alleviate his patient’s troubles. Robin was one who did the same sans the medical help. But while the story of Patch ended quite happily, Robin’s did not. Nevertheless, the film is a groundbreaker. I can imaging the impact it must have made at the time of its release.

Although it received negative reviews from critics it turned into a box office success and if you see the film you’ll know why. Even Dr. Adams didn’t have a nice word for the film. He was unhappy that the film reduced him to a comedian-doctor and used only those parts of his life that would help them make a commercial profit. Frankly, the story isn’t all that great however it is riddled with great messages. The tragedy seems a bit disconnected and haphazard and so does the build up. But that doesn’t take away much from the spirit the film exudes. What’s great about this is that it is founded on reality and that for me makes all the difference.

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