DCSIMG
 
 

Whose Life Is It Anyway? (1981)

Whose Life Is It Anyway? (1981)
Member Rating:  
Stepping into the role made famous on Broadway by Tom Conti, Richard Dreyfuss stars as a profoundly handicapped sculptor in Whose Life is it Anyway? Left a quadraplegic after an auto accident, the embittered Dreyfuss feels utterly useless, as both an artist and a human being. He doesn't want his family's love, or his doctor's care, or his nurse's ministrations. Dreyfuss simply wants to die-but this is impossible, given the legal state of things in the 1970s. Whose Life is It Anyway? may be the only film in which a person's right to self-destruction is regarded as a happy ending. Not as depressing as it sounds, Whose Life Is It Anyway is perversely hilarious at times, with Dreyfuss at his acerbic best. The film was scripted by Reginald Rose and Brian Clark from Clark's stage play. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Richard Dreyfuss, John Cassavetes, (more)
Director(s):
John Badham
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Whose Life Is It Anyway?

Stepping into the role made famous on Broadway by Tom Conti, Richard Dreyfuss stars as a profoundly handicapped sculptor in Whose Life is it Anyway? Left a quadraplegic after an auto accident, the embittered Dreyfuss feels utterly useless, as both an artist and a human being. He doesn't want his family's love, or his doctor's care, or his nurse's ministrations. Dreyfuss simply wants to die-but this is impossible, given the legal state of things in the 1970s. Whose Life is It Anyway? may be the only film in which a person's right to self-destruction is regarded as a happy ending. Not as depressing as it sounds, Whose Life Is It Anyway is perversely hilarious at times, with Dreyfuss at his acerbic best. The film was scripted by Reginald Rose and Brian Clark from Clark's stage play. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
118 mins

Complete Cast of Whose Life Is It Anyway?


Director(s):
John Badham
Writer(s):
Robert E. Collins, Reginald Rose, Brian Clark
Producer(s):
Lawrence P. Bachmann, Martin C. Schute, Ray Cooney
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Not For Children, Adult Situations, Nudity, Adult Language)
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Whose Life Is It Anyway??
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND

Blockbuster Instant Video

Watch thousands of movies instantly on your TV, tablet, mobile phone or computer with no monthly subscription. You pay only for what you watch.
 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
    YOUR REVIEW
    WRITE A REVIEW
     
    1000 
     
    Member Reviews
    Read all (13)
     
    David B.

    This film is among the best of all time. I've seldom seen a movie in which all actors -- from the star to the smallest bit player -- deliver such forceful, realistic performances. I felt as if I were actually in that hospital room with Ken Harrison. While the film, which is about a sculpture who becomes a quadriplegic in a car accident and then decides to die rather than live life in that condition, has a seemingly depressing plot line, it is actually uplifting. Richard Dreyfus has the remarkable ability to infuse the main character with humor as well as sadness. It is a tribute to the director, writers, and actors that this movie, which could have easily become emotional, melodramatic, turned out to be an illuminating experience to the indomitable human spirit. There are many wonderful moments, especially the hearing, that express the notion that both/neither is right/wrong. But whatever side you take you can't be disappointed by this moving story and these moving performances.

    Yes   |   No

     
    William H.

    On my all time favorite list of movies this movie is in the top 5. Richard Dreyfuss was remarkable in this movie. It brought home to me many things, the top one being -- That sometimes death is better. I was in a place where i had to decided if my brother was to be kept alive by only machines, so this hit very close to home. I now have a living will and have made my own choices. This movie helped me so much in many ways. This is a MUST see movie. I have it on tape now finally can get it on DVD. The supporting cast was great, Richard my man my hat is off to you. Many of your movies went overlooked by many. I am one that didn't over look them, I have everyone i can find ..

    Yes   |   No

     
    Dan and Martha C.

    We were not expecting such a thought provoking movie. The acting from everyone was great. We both had tears at his situation and his frustrations and both talked about how we would react to similar situation. Isn't that what movies should do?

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 13 Reviews
       

      Rating Systems

       

      Blockbuster

      Find Us Online: BLOCKBUSTER Blog - BLOCKBUSTER Widgets - BLOCKBUSTER RSS FEED - BLOCKBUSTER Facebook Page - BLOCKBUSTER Twitter Page - BLOCKBUSTER Wiki

      Email Exclusives

      BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C.
        2013 Blockbuster L.L.C. All rights reserved.

      Portions of Content Provided by Rovi Corporation.   2013 Rovi Corporation.