This TV-Movie is totally character-driven, and while the script is important, it's success is primarily reliant on the acting. On this count, you'll never see a TV movie deliver more brilliantly on it's potential than this one.
Of course James Woods gives a spectacular performance. It's not just that he earns his reputation as a top-notch actor here; he goes beyond that to achieve what arguably may be the definitive portrayal of schizophrenia on television OR in film.
But what is most stunning for me about this film is the acting of James Garner. Playing the less showy part of Woods' sane brother, he matches Woods in acting excellence at every step, perfectly complementing the other's work. Mr. Garner has been one of the most reliable actors on the big or small screen for almost half a century, but what he does here goes beyond reliability to something approaching greatness. James Garner is one of the most underrated actors of our time, and nothing proves it more than this film.
Of course James Woods gives a spectacular performance. It's not just that he earns his reputation as a top-notch actor here; he goes beyond that to achieve what arguably may be the definitive portrayal of schizophrenia on television OR in film.
But what is most stunning for me about this film is the acting of James Garner. Playing the less showy part of Woods' sane brother, he matches Woods in acting excellence at every step, perfectly complementing the other's work. Mr. Garner has been one of the most reliable actors on the big or small screen for almost half a century, but what he does here goes beyond reliability to something approaching greatness. James Garner is one of the most underrated actors of our time, and nothing proves it more than this film.