Panic

Released 2000
Stars William H. Macy, Neve Campbell, John Ritter, Barbara Bain, Miguel Sandoval, Donald Sutherland
Directed by Henry Bromell

"Panic" is a wonderfully compelling and poignant study of a character who feels trapped in the pointlessness of his own life. William H. Macy, as Alex, is as convincing as always. This fine actor seems to have a special talent for pulling at your heartstrings, no matter how flawed his characters may be; we may not always condone the lifestyles of the protagonists he plays, but the emotions of fear and confusion that he evokes in us are often all too painfully familiar. The title, "Panic," initially seems paradoxical, given the lack of overt emotion. At one point Alex tells his doctor that he rarely gets angry. Yet, as this story unfolds, it becomes increasingly obvious that rage and desperation, not indifference, are the driving forces behind this man's existence.

Summary by cph54@hotmail.com