'Patch' can't find funny bone

It becomes clear after ten minutes that this is not a film of subtle symbolism or acute irony.

The story of "Patch Adams" is not especially complex either. A man at war with his inner demons decides that his well-being depends on helping others deal with their maladies. The thirty-something Adams enrolls in medical school where he begins his

Courtesy of Universal Pictures Robin Williams offers a human approach to medicine in "Patch Adams."

movement for patients' rights and conscientious medicine.

Adam's theory is that doctors should "treat the patient, not the disease" - and he tells us and his classmates this mantra every chance he gets (virtually every scene). This would-be-revolutionary gets caught in a heated battle with the deans of his school and the greater medical community who do not see his cause as an ethical one.

"Patch Adams" follows in the tradition of recent Williams films such as "Toys," "Jack" and "Flubber" as an unadulterated showcase of the actor's comedic skill. The problem with all the films, though, lies in the story between the silly, often ridiculous, punchlines. All four of these movies rely on overly simplistic storylines (i.e. boy living in man's body going to primary school, or man with boy's soul running a toy factory). "Patch Adams" is no exception to this fact. And it is not especially funny.

So, apparently it was back to the basics for director Tom Shadyac, best known for "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," and writer Steve Oedekerk, the genius writer behind "Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls." Patch Adams finds love in fellow medical student Carin, played by Monica Potter. He uses this relationship, like everything else in his life, to push his love-all prescriptions. And Carin sheepishly falls in line.

But this love affair is completely preposterous and utterly unnecessary. It seems as if the only reason why the intelligent and attractive Carin would date Adams is because he is the lead character of the movie. The thought of spending any more gentle moments with this medical blow-hard gives us a headache.

In fact it seems the only reason Robin Williams was cast in this role - for which he is at least 15 years too old - is because he is funnyman Robin Williams. He is perhaps the only actor who could do a tap dance with bed-pans and get away with it. But it's sad that he has to go that far.

Throughout the film, we are continually knocked aside by overstated metaphors and themes. Putting aside Adams' masturbatory "love thy patient" line, we are never given one moment to internalize or interpret anything on the screen. There is no need for interpretation anyhow, as all motifs are so beat-to-death and over-explained by the filmmakers already.

The biggest problem with this film is the character of Adams itself. The man who begins the film in a mental hospital never seems to get better. The neuroses from which he suffers continue to hinder him well after he thinks he is rid of them.

This is most noticeable when he sets up a free clinic for the poor people living near his rural Virginia cabin. He treats those in great need simply by putting them in front of a TV or blowing soap bubbles in their faces. It is indeed the insane leading the incapacitated and incontinent, so to speak.

Adams never makes the slightest growth or development. Even after he witnesses the death of a friend directly caused by his unconventional methods, he continues his shenanigans, without even a heart-felt pause of self-reflection.

"Patch Adams" is a painful slap in the face to altruism and careful doctoring. The man's ways are entirely sophomoric and out of control, and his relentless attitude is tiresome. It is a shame to see an actor as talented as Robin Williams stoop to such low levels. Let us hope that he is able to convalesce from this ulcerous film.

01-06-99