Playing God

Playing God is an intriguing and suspenseful crime thriller directed by Andy Wilson and released in 1997. The film is unique not only due to its intense storyline but also because it somberly delves into the internal conflict of the protagonist, a doctor grappling with his past mistakes. As the title implies, it delves into the theme of human fallibility and the darker implications of "playing God".

The movie introduces us to Dr. Eugene Sands, a well-liked successful surgeon excellently portrayed by David Duchovny, best known for his roles in The X-Files. Duchovny's character Sands is disbarred from practicing medicine due to his addiction to narcotics leading to a patient dying under his care. With the loss of his medical license grounds his life to a halt and he spirals down into an abyss of guilt, regret, and struggle with substance abuse.

Things take an unexpected turn when he finds himself in a criminal underworld, becoming acquainted with Raymond Blossom, a contentiously charismatic gangster brought to life by the talented Timothy Hutton. Blossom is drawn towards Sands' raw skills as a former high-ranking surgeon. When an unexpected injury befalls one of Blossom's men, Sands is thrust back into his role of saving lives despite his lack of official medical license - performing an impromptu surgery in a less-than-ideal environment.

Due to his stellar performance amidst chaos and gunfight, Sands soon finds himself drawn deeper into the gritty world of crime. Blossom notices the potential resilience in Sands to operate under pressure, treating gunshots and extracting bullets under the radar from the authorities. Unabashed by his need for Sands, Blossom ventures to convert him into his personal doctor, attending to his crew who could not afford to seek care in hospitals due to their clandestine operations.

In a parallel storyline, a dedicated law enforcement officer, Pierce, portrayed by Michael Massee, is tracking Blossom for his criminal activities. This cat-and-mouse chase adds a layer of suspense and urgency to the film as Sands gets deeper into the criminal world.

Duchovny manages to convey Sands’ moral and ethical dilemmas convincingly. Plagued with the guilt from his past, the defrocked surgeon’s journey is not just a physical descent into crime but also a psychological exploration of his own sense of righteousness, violation of the Hippocratic Oath, and the morality of his actions.

Featuring Angelina Jolie in the role of Blossom's girlfriend, Claire, she brings her own edgy charisma and softness to the character, adding a complex love interest to Sands' already complicated life. Jolie manages to create chemistry with both Duchovny's Sand and Hutton's Blossom, facilitating an intense love triangle that further fuels Sands' conflict.

The movie is well supported by a riveting script by Mark Haskell Smith and is visually gripping due to the cinematography of Anthony B. Richmond. The director, Andy Wilson, has skillfully merged these elements to create a film that questions the essence of morality, consequences of decisions, and the extent to which one can go to correct their mistakes.

Despite the intense theme, Playing God also provides bursts of humor through quirky one-liners and unexpected plot twists, keeping the audience engaged with its careful balance of tension and comic relief. Its unconventional blending of dark humor and serious motifs of guilt and redemption sets it apart from traditional crime thrillers.

Praised for the performances of its lead actors as well as its direction, Playing God is a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing what could possibly befall our fallen hero. It's a thrilling ride that provides its viewers with a mix of action, suspense, romance, and psychological drama. The film brilliantly showcases the struggle of a man, battling with his past mistakes, wrestling with his conscience, and confronting the bleak path he travels.

Overall, Playing God is a deep-dive into the question of morality and the lengths individuals will go to save lives under extraordinary circumstances. The movie is a genuine treat for those who enjoy a good crime thriller with a healthy dose of moral and psychological introspection.