Dr T and the Women ** (2000, Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern) – Classic Movie Review 1596

Richard Gere stars as handsome, rich Dallas gynaecologist Dr Sullivan Travis, whose seemingly idyllic life turns out to be less than perfect when the family skeletons begin emerging from the closet and he suffers from women trouble big time.

Director Robert Altman’s 2000 movie is a rather disappointing, slightly stale-seeming satirical comedy from this ace film-maker. Its determined oddness, some zest, some laughs and the game performances from a very attractive cast save it, though.

Gere and Helen Hunt (as the golf instructor who offers him hope) are fine, and Farrah Fawcett impresses as Gere’s crazy wife Kate, who is committed to the state mental hospital after a nervous breakdown. Kate Hudson is also eye-catching as Gere’s eldest daughter, Dee Dee, who’s getting married to a man despite being a lesbian and romantically involved with maid of honour Marilyn (Liv Tyler).

Tara Reid  is sweet as Gere’s conspiracy theorist youngest daughter, Connie. Shelley Long gets a little look in too as Gere’s loyal secretary Carolyn, who has unrequited passion for him, and Laura Dern makes her mark too as Gere’s meddling sister-in-law Peggy.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1596

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