The Medicine Show
The Medicine Show ★★½ 2001 (R)
Dark comedy in which sarcastic cartoon writer Taylor (Silverman) is diagnosed with colon cancer. As the disease, and treatment, progresses, he views the reactions of co-workers and family, the absurdity of the hospital experience, and impending surgery with sardonic wit. This is a welcome departure from the treacly, disease-of-the week approach most filmmakers take to the subject. The proceedings begin to lose their edge, however, when Taylor meets, and begins a romance with cute, quirky leukemia patient Lynn. Silverman does an excellent job in the lead role. Based on the experiences of writer-director Morris. 100m/C DVD . Jonathan Silverman, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Greg Grunberg, Kari Wuhrer, Annabelle Gurwitch, Maz Jobrani, Dennis Libscomb; D: Wendell Morris; W: Wendell Morris; C: Ramsay Nickell. CABLE