![[box cover]](../../reviewimgs/m/mumford.jpg)
Mumford
When psychologist Dr. Mumford (Loren Dean) sets up shop in the town of Mumford, it seems like a perfect match in more than just name. Dr. Mumford has gift for listening and a casual, unorthodox approach that soon make him the most popular shrink in town. With patients like a catalog-addicted shopaholic, a pharmacist who can't bring himself into his own sexual fantasies, and a techno wunderkind billionaire, Mumford employs a compassionate, easy manner that makes you want to take a turn on the couch. But it's not just his patients who are looking for a second chance. Dr. Mumford has a secret that will require his patients to supply some compassion of their own. Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan, Mumford is Kasdan's best work since The Big Chill. The set-up plays to Kasdan's strength for creating authentic dialogue and lends itself to an Altman-like parade of character set pieces with subtle but powerful performances by the entire cast, including Mary McDonnell, Hope Davis, Martin Short, Alfre Woodard, and Jason Lee. Kasdan flawlessly visualizes small-town Mumford with great care and populates it with richly layered characters. The film also has one of the cleverest opening scenes to come along in a long time. Witty and sophisticated, and a pleasure to watch, Mumford deserved much more attention than it received during its theatrical release. Good widscreen transfer (2.35:1), DD 5.1. Includes the theatrical trailer and a too-short production featurette with brief interviews with Kasdan and some of the cast. Keep-case.
—Gregory P. Dorr
