Anatomy Of An Illness

Anatomy Of An Illness is a 1984 made-for-television movie based on the book by Dr. Norman Cousins, which tells the true story of his battle with a serious illness. The movie stars Edward Asner, Eli Wallach and Millie Perkins.

Dr. Cousins, played by Asner, was a well-known writer and editor for the Saturday Review magazine. In the late 1970s, he was diagnosed with an incurable spinal disease called ankylosing spondylitis. His condition was so severe that he was confined to a wheelchair and could barely move. Doctors gave him no chance of recovery, and he was resigned to the fact that he would be confined to bed for the rest of his life.

However, Dr. Cousins did not give up hope. He believed that his state of mind could have an impact on his physical health. He began to explore alternative ways of healing himself, including laughter and positive thinking. He checked himself out of the hospital and created a treatment plan that he hoped would cure him.

His plan included watching comedies and laughing as often as possible. He also surrounded himself with positive people and tried to eliminate negative thoughts from his mind. Finally, he began taking high doses of vitamin C.

To his amazement, Dr. Cousins started to feel better. He was able to move more easily and was no longer confined to bed. He continued to follow his treatment plan and eventually made a full recovery.

The movie explores the themes of the mind-body connection and the power of positive thinking. It is a heartwarming story of how one man defied the odds and healed himself using unconventional methods.

Edward Asner delivers a powerful performance as Dr. Cousins, portraying him as a man who refuses to give up on life. Eli Wallach is excellent as Dr. Shapiro, the doctor who initially diagnosed Cousins and later becomes his biggest supporter. Millie Perkins is also strong in her role as Cousins' wife, who stands by him through his illness.

The cinematography is simple yet effective. The movie is shot mostly in a hospital and at Dr. Cousins' home, but the camera work is subtle enough to allow the actors and the story to take center stage.

The script is taken directly from Dr. Cousins' book, which means that the dialogue is both intelligent and thought-provoking. It is a cerebral movie that encourages the audience to think about how their emotional state can affect their physical health.

Anatomy Of An Illness is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in the mind-body connection. It offers a different perspective on healing and empowers the viewer to take control of their own health. The story is both inspiring and educational, and it leaves the audience feeling uplifted and hopeful.

In conclusion, Anatomy Of An Illness is an excellent movie that deserves to be watched. It stars some of the best actors of the time, has a strong script, and explores an important topic that is still relevant today. It is a movie that will stay with you long after you have watched it, and it will inspire you to think differently about your health.