Cast
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George C. Scott
as Dr. Herbert Bock
Diana Rigg
as Barbara Drummond
Barnard Hughes
as Drummond
Richard Dysart
as Dr. Welbeck
Stephen Elliott
as Dr. Sundstrom
Donald Harron
as Milton Mead
Andrew Duncan
as William Mead
Nancy Marchand
as Mrs. Christie
Jordan Charney
as Hitchcock
Roberts Blossom
as Guernsey
Lenny Baker
as Dr. Schaefer
Richard Hamilton
as Dr. Ronald Casey
Arthur Junaluska
as Mr. Blacktree
Kate Harrington
as Nurse Dunne
Katherine Helmond
as Marilyn Mead
Crew
Director
- Arthur Hiller
Writer
- Paddy Chayefsky
Producer
- Howard Gottfried
- Paddy Chayefsky
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Hospital examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Arthur Hiller brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1971, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hospital took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2199 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 411 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1971, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hospital shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Re-Animator, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Hospital subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Silent Hill and The Elephant Man explore similar territory, The Hospital stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 14, 1971
- Runtime: 1h 43m
Where to Watch
