![[box cover]](../../reviewimgs/d/drtandthewomen.jpg)
Dr. T and the Women
This surprisingly affectionate take on gender roles from the revered-but-inconsistent Robert Altman stars Richard Gere as a popular Dallas gynecologist who vainly tries to be too many things to too many women. Although Altman's usual inept bluster is all too present, it is more than balanced by the keen perception that made classics of earlier films like Nashville and The Player. Gere provides a phenomenal, understated performance in the title role, perhaps the best of his career. He is a good man whose tragic flaw is his own goodness, with good intentions spread too thin amongst the many women demanding his special attention, and to those closest to him he either fails to truly know them, or overcompensates, pushing them into alienation with his encompassing, yet undisciplined, gifts as a provider. Dr. T and the Women isn't a masterpiece, but it's a sincere and thoughtful film with a few valuable, seldom-broached ideas about the male-female dynamic. Also with Helen Hunt, Farah Fawcett, Kate Hudson, Tara Reid, Laura Dern, Shelley Long, Liv Tyler, Andy Richter, Robert Hays, Lee Grant, and Janine Turner. Lyle Lovett provides the music, but unfortunately does not try to act. Artisan's DVD edition offers anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) and a clean Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. Commentary track featuring Altman and most of his cast, interview with Altman, behind-the-scenes featurette, trailers. Keep-case.
—Gregory P. Dorr
