# Dr. T & the Women (2000)

### reviewed by
Ross Anthony

    "There are no two alike."
    Dr. T and the Women

    By Ross Anthony

Did you like Diane Keaton's "Hanging Up?" If so, you'll probably equally enjoy this rich (as in wealthy) women farce. Dressed in furs, wild hats and jewelry, these well-to-do women bumble around Dr. T (Richard Gere) like bees with cell phones.

Though adored by his entourage of gynecological patients, daughters, sisters and even his screwy wife, Dr. T tries to keep his life from bursting apart at the seams. It's one thing after another until the roof blows off.

The film opens between the legs of one of Dr. T's gynecological patients. Circus appropriate, Dixieland music comprises the soundtrack. But somehow, everyone thinks the gentle and sincere Dr. T has it all together. Even Dr. T's hunting pals envy his seemingly perfect life and perfect wife. "You're a lucky man, hang on to her," they advise him of his mentally ill spouse. "I'm trying," he replies with a heartfelt anxiety not picked up by the camouflaged buds.

With wife (Farrah) institutionalized, daughters feuding over a wedding, woman lined up outside the office door for a check up; Dr. T finds a new refuge and a new set of problems.

Gere is compelling and charming as always, the women perform admirably. Though the dialogue is strongly real, it's seldom sparkling. Sporting some fairly well paced direction, it's the story that seems to have a point missing.

Coupled with the oft times annoying cell chat, the film hardly leaves the goer with any sense of satisfaction. Though the climax is interesting ... it isn't fulfilling, and you'll leave the theater feeling like you've just witnessed the work of a great conversationalist who didn't have much to say.

Dr. T and the Women. Copyright © 2000. Rated R. * Starring Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern, Shelley Long, Tara Reid, Kate Hudson, Liv Tyler, Robert Hays. * Directed by Robert Altman. * Written by Anne Rapp. * Produced by Robert Altman, James McLindon at Artisan/Sandcastle 5.

Grade..........................B

-- Copyright © 2000. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: http://www.RossAnthony.com

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