Shrink with Kevin Spacey - Film Review

An Off-beat Dramedy Fixed on a L.A. Analyst & his Celebrity Patients

Jul 29, 2009

Kevin Spacey stars as the titular psychiatrist and best-selling self-help author, who's unable to treat his A-list clientele, nor heal himself, after his wife's death.

Easily comparable to Paul Thomas Anderson's film, Magnolia, it would be a great shame if this terrific small film gets buried under an avalanche of splashier blockbusters. Despite its somber tone and collection of clichéd Hollywood characters, Shrink delivers an unconventionally uplifting ending.

Dr. Henry Carter (Spacey) clings to his beloved dog, August, and self-medicates with alcohol and marijuana to cope with his grief. The car of his dope dealer, Jesus (Jesse Plemons) serves as the doctor’s treatment center of choice. The mobile pharmacy dispenses an extraordinary assortment of “medicinal” herbs, such as embalming fluid-laced joints branded as Christmas in Vietnam.

His perpetually intoxicated state hinders the renowned doctor from taking care of his equally-discontented patients. Henry’s clients are mostly movie industry icons with highly successful careers. Nevertheless, happiness has eluded them.

There’s the beautiful, but aging superstar (Saffron Burrows), the frustrated movie star who want to be a serious actor (Jack Huston), the high-powered agent with OCD (Dallas Roberts), and the infamous boozing comedian-actor. All are lonely, restless whiners, who often behave horribly.

Swelling With Acting Talent

A dutifully performing Spacey heads a gifted and intriguing ensemble cast. Most notably are two young actors, Keke Palmer and Mark Webber.

Palmer plays Jemma, a troubled young girl, who’s case is taken pro bono by Dr. Carter. A budding film bluff, she finds solace by ditching school to catch shows at the local cinema house.

Webber portrays Henry’s best friend and step-godson, Jeremy, a loopy screenwriter plagued by writer’s block. Ultimately, through unethical research, he produces an inspiring script with unique healing properties.

Keke Palmer should be easily recognizable from her starring role as the spelling bee champ, Akeelah in Akeelah and the Bee, or, from her Emmy-nominated role in the TV movie The Wool Cap, starring William H. Macy. Other significant acting credits to her name include films with Tyler Perry, Madea Goes to Jail and Madea's Family Reunion.

Mark Webber has acted in a slew of small independent films as well as films with some very note-worthy directors. Such as in Todd Solondz's Storytelling, Ethan Hawke's The Hottest State and Woody Allen's Hollywood Ending (in which, Mark played Woody’s son). Mark can be seen next in Michael Cera’s, graphic novel-based film, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, due out next year.

Notes From The Producer’s Couch

“Shrink” screened as the closing night film at Chicago’s Gen Art Film Festival in June. The film’s director, Jonas Pate, hosted a Question and Answer session following the showing. The response to an audience member’s query revealed some interesting information.

One, the filmmakers were successful in bringing their script to Kevin Spacey in London, where he serves as the artistic director of The Old Vic Theatre Company. Both Spacey, and his film production company, Trigger Street, signed on for “Shrink”, but did not contribute to its financial funding. However, as a result of the commitment from the award-winning actor and his company, the filmmakers were able to attract British investors, and cover their budget.

And, two, Robin Williams’ unaccredited role in the film was contractual and intentional, on his part, to prevent any monetization for the film from his name.

Cast and Crew of Shrink

“Shrink” stars Kevin Spacey, Robert Loggia, Pell James, Keke Palmer, Griffin Dunne, Saffron Burrows, Jack Huston, Dallas Roberts, Gore Vidal, Laura Ramsey, Jesse Plemons and Mark Webber.

Directed by Jonas Pate (Deceiver). Written by Thomas Moffett. Based on a story by Henry Rearden. Cinematography by Lukas Ettlin. Edited by Luis Carballar.

Produced by Kevin Spacey, Braxton Pope and Dana Brunetti. Released in the U.S. by Roadside Attractions.

(Rated: R, for drug content throughout and pervasive language including some sexual references)

The copyright of the article Shrink with Kevin Spacey - Film Review in Film Dramas is owned by Denise Castillón. Permission to republish Shrink with Kevin Spacey - Film Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.