David and Lisa

I stumbled upon this movie one night at 1 am and I kept me away from the bed! The story is beautiful and sensitive, and the characters beautifully portrayed by talented actors. The complicated, yet wonderful psychology of these 2 persons can equal 2 dozens of explosions in any blockbuster movie. Too bad the movie isn't longer. I have a little gripe against the end, maybe a bit too mushy, but still, wonderful piece of cinema. Bravo.

"David and Lisa" is a made for TV remake of the 1962 film by the same name. I read in another review that the original film was better, but as I haven't seen it I have no way to compare the two. What I do know is that I liked the film...possibly due, in part, to my history working in the mental health field.

When the story begins, David (Lucas Haas) is brought to a residential treatment program for the mentally ill. It's not a hospital per se, but more of a residential home. Why is David there? Well, he's extremely depressed and obsessed with death...to the point where he's practically non-functional.

At first, David is extremely hostile and guarded. It's obvious he's afraid to have close contact with others...both physical and emotional. Because of this, therapy is difficult for him. However, after he develops a friendship with a disturbed patient who only talks in rhymes, slowly he begins to allow others near him...and he appears to have excellent insight into her problems, though not of his own. Where is this friendship going and do either stand a chance of living a normal life?

Seeing two sick people learn to help each other is very touching. Both seem to have a lot to offer the other. I also appreciate the writing and performances, as I was a social worker and psychotherapist and appreciate the film and its message. Not an easy film to see...but worth your time if you allow it.

I had to watch this movie in Psychology class, and I thought it was amazing! It was a movie that I actually enjoyed watching at school, which is a rarity. The actors played their roles expertly. I am so glad they chose Brittany Murphy for the role of Lisa. She had all of the emotions needed for this part. WOW! It was truly a touching story, and I'm glad this movie was remade...I would like to get a copy...My teacher taped it off of TV, and she can't find a copy ANYWHERE! If anyone can help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me at ladylemon2006@aol or carmello2006@hotmail.com. thanks a lot, and everyone should see this movie. You wouldn't regret it. There is never a dull moment!

The second I saw the article in the Sunday paper about this film, I knew it was going to be a keeper. Unable to watch it as it was aired (and, after all, I like to tape everything anyway just in case) I saw it the following day. It's truly beautiful. I was in tears when David lets 'Lisa' hold his hand. It's touching, and just crazy enough for us 'artsy' types. *smile* Get a hold of a copy of it somehow. You've got to. Really, truly watch it. Listen to the dialogue. Watch the actor's eyes. Keep tissues handy for the end.

This may have come about under the aegis of Oprah Winfrey, but don't let that put you off; "David and Lisa" is far more watchable than her self-titled opus. (Another British viewer complained that She Who Thinks She's God appears in an intro before the movie starts; this is the case on video and on its US screenings, but I watched the movie on BBC2 and her appearance was removed, for which much thanks. Less justifiably, the Harpo logo was also absent - I don't like Oprah, but I like end credits.)

Though Sidney Poitier is top-billed, Lukas Haas is the real star of the movie; he plays an articulate and intelligent young man who's very disturbed - he suffers from a recurring nightmare involving "clock executions," and has a severe phobia about being touched, all of which accounts for his widowed mother (Allison Janney from "The West Wing") sending him to a special institution.

This movie is basically a love story, and the object of his affections - though it takes him a while to realise it - is a fellow patient played by Brittany Murphy (anyone seeing this after "Girl, Interrupted" and "Don't Say A Word" will probably not be surprised). Given to speaking in rhyme to make her internal demons go away, his interest is at first clinical, but eventually...

Compared to "The Bell Jar" (the book, that is - I haven't seen the movie version), this isn't particularly wrenching, but it isn't meant to be. Blessedly non-sick-making, sensitively told and generally well-performed (some of the freakouts may seem overacted, but how far is too far in cases like this?), "David and Lisa" is an involving story right up to its final scene - there's no real miracle cure, instead a suggestion that they're heading in the right direction. (And unusually for a love story, the two never kiss.)

And to the person who complained about Marco Beltrami's music; in addition to being above-average for TV, it must have been a refreshing change for him to score a movie not about serial killings. Fans of him (and Haas and Murphy) should tune in.