K-Pax 2001 (Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges) – Classic Film Review 1107

Director Iain Softley’s 2001 film stars Kevin Spacey, who is ideal as Prot, a mysterious, other-worldly patient in a New York psychiatric hospital who claims to be an alien from the planet K-Pax.

What’s odder still is that his shrink is starting to believe him. Jeff Bridges gives an equally stalwart performance as his psychiatrist, Dr Mark Powell, trying to sort out truth from fantasy, while respecting the uplifting effect Prot has on the hospital’s patients.

Director Softley turns Gene Brewer’s novel into an intriguing mix of sci-fi and psychological drama. But it’s Spacey’s charismatic performance that is the making of the movie. This polished teaser is thoughtful, touching and appealing.

It also stars Mary McCormack and Alfre Woodard. The screenplay is written by Gene Brewer and Charles Leavitt.

(C) Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Film Review 1107 derekwinnert.com