Activate your BLOCKBUSTER On Demand device

Critical Care (1997)

Critical Care (1997)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
Sidney Lumet filmed this hospital satire at a Canadian studio. Alcoholic Dr. Butz (Albert Brooks in old-age makeup) advises younger Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) to only treat patients with much insurance. "When the lawyers start crawling all over you," says Butz, "that's when you know you're a doctor." Ernst, a second-year resident working in the ICU with head nurse Stella (Helen Mirren), winds up in the middle of a dispute between two sisters (Kyra Sedgwick and Margo Martindale). One wants to pull the plug on their wealthy father; the other demands that he remain alive (at a cost of $112,800 a month). Soon events swivel from the money-mad medical mire to equally murky legalistics. Steven Schwartz's screenplay was adapted from the novel by Richard Dooling. Shown at the 1997 Chicago Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
James SpaderKyra Sedgwick, (more)
Director(s):
Sidney Lumet
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Critical Care

Sidney Lumet filmed this hospital satire at a Canadian studio. Alcoholic Dr. Butz (Albert Brooks in old-age makeup) advises younger Dr. Werner Ernst (James Spader) to only treat patients with much insurance. "When the lawyers start crawling all over you," says Butz, "that's when you know you're a doctor." Ernst, a second-year resident working in the ICU with head nurse Stella (Helen Mirren), winds up in the middle of a dispute between two sisters (Kyra Sedgwick and Margo Martindale). One wants to pull the plug on their wealthy father; the other demands that he remain alive (at a cost of $112,800 a month). Soon events swivel from the money-mad medical mire to equally murky legalistics. Steven Schwartz's screenplay was adapted from the novel by Richard Dooling. Shown at the 1997 Chicago Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
109 mins

Complete Cast of Critical Care


Director(s):
Sidney Lumet
Writer(s):
Steven S. Schwartz
Producer(s):
Steven SchwartzSidney Lumet
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations)
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 Critical Care?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription 
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 

IN-STORE

 

ON DEMAND


Available to:  Watch on 98 devices.
See system requirements.
 

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
 
Kaelynne A.

For a James Spader movie, it was actually pretty good. Took a real poke at our crappy health care in this country.

Yes   |   No

 
SANDI S.

What a waste of such a stellar cast! So many good actors, and such a poor script.

Yes   |   No

 
Megan E.

Depressing but very realistic. Worth watching but make sure that you take an anti-depressant afterwards

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 3 Reviews