"Patch Adams" is a biographical comedy and drama based on a book by Hunter Doherty Adams (aka, Patch) and Maureen Mylander. It's about Adams' early life in pursuit of a medical degree in Virginia in the late 1960s. After being suicidal in his late teens, Adams was inspired to promote personal care and involvement with patients. That included use of comedy.
The movie revises some of his story. The character of Carin is fictional. Interestingly, Adams was critical of the movie when it came out. He said its heavy focus on comedy left out or overshadowed his real efforts and goals. He also didn't like how Robbin Williams played him. But, in later life, Adams would change his position. Apparently, he and William got along and had a friendly relationship. Adams first decried Hollywood's changes to please audiences and make a lot of money. But, later, he said the film had done some good in drawing attention to his efforts.
I first saw the film in the theater when it came out. I thought then, and still do, that some of the things portrayed as stunts for comedy seemed a little crass or outlandish. But, I enjoy the story for the person it is about. One can't help but like, if not admire, Patch Adams. He's a man with a big heart and genuine care for people. I think Williams conveys that message some.
The critics off 1998 though, found the movie overly sentimentalized. When I hear or read things like that about a film I have seen and enjoyed, I wonder about the critics. How are some things made overly sentimental when they are about warmth, concern, caring and acts of great decency and love?
Indeed, Adams' major point is that medical practice was so detached from the human element His efforts were aimed at what society today regards as holistic treatment or care. Adams said that it was more than just the mater-of-fact treatment of the physical problem. Medical care should encompass the whole person - body, mind and soul.
Anyway, as of early 2021, the real Patch Adams is still around and working through his Gesundheit Institute and other programs. He assembles groups of doctors and medical personal to travel around the world to visit orphanages and hospitals. Dressed as clowns, they bring cheer and happiness to the field of medical care and recovery. And, he's still working on building another free hospital in West Virginia.
Williams and all the cast give good performances in this inspiring film. Patch Adams believed in comedy and care in medical treatment.
The movie revises some of his story. The character of Carin is fictional. Interestingly, Adams was critical of the movie when it came out. He said its heavy focus on comedy left out or overshadowed his real efforts and goals. He also didn't like how Robbin Williams played him. But, in later life, Adams would change his position. Apparently, he and William got along and had a friendly relationship. Adams first decried Hollywood's changes to please audiences and make a lot of money. But, later, he said the film had done some good in drawing attention to his efforts.
I first saw the film in the theater when it came out. I thought then, and still do, that some of the things portrayed as stunts for comedy seemed a little crass or outlandish. But, I enjoy the story for the person it is about. One can't help but like, if not admire, Patch Adams. He's a man with a big heart and genuine care for people. I think Williams conveys that message some.
The critics off 1998 though, found the movie overly sentimentalized. When I hear or read things like that about a film I have seen and enjoyed, I wonder about the critics. How are some things made overly sentimental when they are about warmth, concern, caring and acts of great decency and love?
Indeed, Adams' major point is that medical practice was so detached from the human element His efforts were aimed at what society today regards as holistic treatment or care. Adams said that it was more than just the mater-of-fact treatment of the physical problem. Medical care should encompass the whole person - body, mind and soul.
Anyway, as of early 2021, the real Patch Adams is still around and working through his Gesundheit Institute and other programs. He assembles groups of doctors and medical personal to travel around the world to visit orphanages and hospitals. Dressed as clowns, they bring cheer and happiness to the field of medical care and recovery. And, he's still working on building another free hospital in West Virginia.
Williams and all the cast give good performances in this inspiring film. Patch Adams believed in comedy and care in medical treatment.