Critical Condition (film)

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Critical condition movie poster 1987

Critical Condition is a 1987 American comedy film directed by Michael Apted and starring Richard Pryor as Kevin Lenahan. The story revolves around Lenahan, a con artist who feigns insanity to avoid being sent to prison, but is instead deemed to be in a "critical condition" and is sent to a hospital. Chaos ensues when a hurricane hits, leading Kevin to impersonate a doctor to escape, only to find himself actually caring for patients and managing hospital staff amidst the crisis.

Plot

Kevin Lenahan is a small-time con artist who is caught in a bad deal. To avoid prison, he pretends to be insane and is sent to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. However, his plan takes an unexpected turn when a hurricane strikes, causing power outages and flooding the hospital. With the hospital in chaos, Kevin sees an opportunity to escape by impersonating a doctor. Despite his lack of medical knowledge, he manages to convince the hospital staff and even starts treating patients. As he navigates through the chaos, Kevin's charade becomes increasingly complicated, but he also discovers a newfound sense of responsibility and compassion for the patients and staff.

Cast

• Richard Pryor as Kevin Lenahan / Dr. Slattery
• Rachel Ticotin as Rachel Atwood
• Rubén Blades as Louis
• Joe Mantegna as Arthur Chambers
• Bob Dishy as Dr. Foster
• Sylvia Miles as Nurse Maggie Lesser

Production

The film was directed by Michael Apted, known for his versatile directorial work ranging from documentaries to feature films. Critical Condition was shot in various locations, with a significant portion of the production taking place in a hospital setting to authentically capture the chaos of the storyline.

Reception

Upon its release, Critical Condition received mixed reviews from critics. While Pryor's performance was praised for its energy and comedic timing, the film's plot and execution were critiqued for not fully utilizing the potential of its premise. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among fans of Richard Pryor's work.

Legacy

Critical Condition stands as a unique entry in Richard Pryor's filmography, showcasing his ability to blend comedy with a touch of drama. The film's premise, combining a disaster scenario with a case of mistaken identity, has been noted for its originality and for providing Pryor with a platform to display his comedic talents in a different light.