 gross anatomy is a 1989 american drama film directed by thom eberhardt and starring matthew modine, daphne zuniga and christine lahti. it was released by touchstone pictures. ==plot== joe slovak is a brilliant first-year med student whose nonconformist approach to life is tested when he enrolls in gross anatomy, the toughest course in med school. joe's freewheeling, independent style creates funny moments in the classroom, but puts him at odds with his demanding professor, who questions whether her class "rebel" has what it takes to be a doctor. meanwhile, joe falls in love with his lab partner laurie, who won't let anything, especially romance, interfere with her plans. and while joe's never done anything by the book, he proves he does have what it takes to succeed &mdash; without changing his ways. ==cast== * matthew modine as joe slovak * daphne zuniga as laurie rorbach * christine lahti as dr. rachel woodruff * todd field as david schreiner * john scott clough as miles reed * alice carter as kim mccauley * robert desiderio as dr. banks * zakes mokae as dr. banumbra ==reception== gross anatomy was released domestically on october 20, 1989, earning $2,830,387 in 853 theaters during its opening weekend. after its theatrical run, the film brought in a total of $11,604,598 at the domestic box office. upon its initial release, the film received mixed to positive critical response. roger ebert of the chicago sun-times gave the film a three-star review stating, "most of the major events in the movie can be anticipated, but they are played with a genuine grace." janet maslin of the new york times also gave the film a positive review, describing the film as "mostly funny and engaging."{{cite web|last=
1980s_drama_films 1989_films American_drama_films English-language_films Films_directed_by_Thom_Eberhardt Medical-themed_films Touchstone_Pictures_films