dir. Tom Shadyac
Patch Adams purports to tell the story of real-life doctor Hunter Adams, but considering the subject’s vehement denouncement of the film, it’s easy to see that it’s anything but a faithful portrayal. Robin Williams plays Hunter “Patch” Adams, a man inspired to become a doctor after a depressive episode. He champions a “laughter is the best medicine” ethos, claiming his fellow doctors and medical students need to focus more on quality of life rather than delaying death. This would be commendable, if: a) Patch were not dangerously and irresponsibly practising medicine without a licence, b) Patch were not stealing medical supplies from a hospital, and fundamentally c) Patch was in any way remotely funny at all. But his stupid voices and antics never once cause a laugh – not for the audience, anyway, although the movie makes sure every last goggle-eyed spectator is enamoured by Patch’s charms. Few challenge his cavalier attitude, even when it leads to his love interest getting so involved with a patient that she is murdered. Even more egregiously, in real life this character was completely different – a man, not romantically involved with Patch in any way – showing this film’s prioritisation of mawkish sentimentality over anything real or meaningful. No wonder the real Hunter Adams summed up Patch Adams with: “I hate that movie.”
BMDb 