The Treatment (2007/New Yorker Films)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Film: C

 

 

Oren Rudavsky’s The Treatment (2007) is potentially a good comedy with a troubled young man (Chris Eigeman) who has lost his girlfriend, has a falling out with his father and has a tough psychiatrist (Ian Holm) who may be more helpful than harmful.  This terrible situation is changed when he meets a beautiful widow (Famke Janssen) who sees him without the baggage and could be his way out of his personal mess.

 

Daniel Housman co-wrote the screenplay with Rudavsky and though they try, the film never really works, despite some fine performances and other efforts, becomes plotting and obvious overall.  Though it has its moments, they are not enough to sustain its 86 minutes, but those curious enough may want to still give it a look.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image looks good, but has detail limits throughout.  Color can be weak, but this looks good otherwise.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is good, but has no surrounds, though the recording has the clarity of a new work.  Extras include deleted scenes, a Psychotherapists featurette, clips of the director’s early works and the original theatrical trailer.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo