Wit
Tags: thought-provoking, dramatic, depressing, philosophical, flashback

Plot synopsis:
Vivian Bearing (Emma Thompson) is a professor of English literature known for her intense knowledge of metaphysical poetry, especially the Holy Sonnets of John Donne. Her life takes a turn when she is diagnosed with metastatic Stage IV ovarian cancer. Oncologist Harvey Kelekian (Christopher Lloyd) prescribes various chemotherapy treatments to treat her disease, and as she suffers through the various side-effects (such as fever, chills, vomiting, and abdominal pain), she attempts to put everything in perspective. The story periodically flashes back to previous moments in her life, including her childhood, her graduate school studies, and her career prior to her diagnosis. During the course of the film, she continually breaks the fourth wall by looking into the camera and expressing her feelings.
As she grows increasingly ill, Vivian agrees to undergo more tests and experimental treatments, even though she realizes the doctors treating her, including former student Jason Posner (Jonathan M. Woodward), see her less as someone to save and more as a guinea pig for their treatments. The only person who seems to care for her as a person is Susie Monahan (Audra McDonald), one of the nurses on the staff.
Late in Vivian's illness, the only visitor she receives in the hospital is her former graduate school professor and mentor, Evelyn Ashford (Eileen Atkins), who reads her excerpts from Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny. As she nears the end of her life, Vivian regrets her insensitivity and realizes she should have been kinder to more people. In her time of greatest need, she learns that human compassion is of more profound importance than intellectual wit.
Vivian dies at the end of the film, with her voiceover reciting "death be not proud".

Review: Indeed, the subject matter is made succinctly evident in the first words you hear, spoken by Dr. Kelekian (Christopher Lloyd) to Vivian Bearing (Emma Thompson):  `You have cancer.'  And so begins `Wit,' directed by Mike Nichols, a film that will claim you emotionally and take you to a place of eternal night-- a region, in fact, wherein even the most intrepid of body and spirit fear to tread.
And once inside, it forces you to face your worst fears, albeit vicariously, in a way that invites some serious reflection upon mortality and the profundity of life.Vivian Bearing is a professor of English Literature, specializing in the work of Seventeenth Century poet John Donne.
This is a true horror story beyond anything Stephen King could write, because this is `real.'  What happens to Vivian Bearing is something that happens to people all the time, and there has never been a film before or since that will put you more in touch with what it feels like, from the incredulity born at the moment of diagnosis to the acceptance of the reality of it.
It's about knowing that you are going to have to do this thing that you least in the whole world want to do-- and that you have no choice in the matter.This film is a veritable showcase for the incredible talent of Emma Thompson, who gives a performance that is so remarkable there are not enough superlatives to do it justice.
What really marks Thompson's performance as so extraordinary, however, is the fact that as you watch the drama unfold, you forget this is an actor playing a role; rather, this is a very real person you are watching-- a person named Vivian Bearing who is dying of cancer.
She, in turn, is viewed in the abstract by a renowned doctor who views life and death as a case in a bed and by the scholar's former student who doesn't know how to communicate with patients beyond superficial catch phrases.This is a touching, powerfully filmed play guided by the witty, amusing, profound, and painful asides and soliloquies of the main character.
Her only human contact seems to be through the compassionate nurse, the scholar's old teacher, and the audience -- the point being that we too often live our lives inside walled prisons of our own construction and then come to the end realizing that we had never lived at all.The movie could easily have descended into melodrama but instead is gritty, prim, and gripping in its own odd way.
This is a wonderful, must-see film.Emma Thompson puts on a superb performance as Vivian Bearing (a Professor of English Literature specializing in the poetry of John Donne,) who leads us through the last months of her life in narrative style.Diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer, Bearing agrees to experimental treatments involving powerful doses of chemotherapy.
John Woodward is quite believable as a young cancer researcher (Dr. Jason Posner) who really seems to see dealing with patients as an inconvenience that takes time away from what's really important to him, and his rather emotionless and awkward interplay with Bearing suits the character perfectly; a testimony to Woodward's talent.This movie offers a powerful commentary on the cold and rather antiseptic environment of hospitals, in which patients are seen more as learning opportunities than people.
I personally would have liked to have seen the movie end with the touching visit by Bearing's former Professor.
Most of the movie takes place behind hospital doors where the film's main character is tested and treated for advanced stages of ovarian cancer-that may be the reason that it was released straight to cable TV instead of getting a much deserved theatrical release.
When she learns she has terminal cancer, she finds herself alone in the world.This moving film benefits from the strong performance of Ms. Thompson, as well as an excellent portrayal by Audra McDonald of a nurse who recognizes that medical personnel can't always cure, but they can always comfort.This is a grim movie, with somewhat hackneyed dialog spoken by the other supporting characters.
There are many comments already entered here that very expertly dissect and appraise this remarkable piece of film, so alternatively, I would simply like to express my love for the work, about the impact it had on me and the roller-coaster of emotions I experienced during its screening.I feel I must start by underlining that the principal reason for this production having such a profound effect on me was the breathtaking performance of Emma Thompson.
So convincing was she, that it was easy to lose sight of the fact that this was in fact a portrayal of a terminally ill woman and not of a real life account.Throughout the film I found that I was repeatedly asking questions of myself, in respect of the abhorrent circumstances of Vivian Bearing, particularly geared towards how I believed I would handle such a terrible situation.
Not only that but how would I handle the fatal disease in Vivian's position i.e. no family or friends to comfort and care for you.Vivian's almost entirely independent, personal fight against the inevitable was as challenging as it was distressing and it brings home to the viewer how much is taken for granted, by so many of us, on a day to day basis...family, friends, a sense of perspective and good health.Again, I cannot eulogise Thompson's performance enough...a truly exceptional picture.9/10.
As literature professor Vivian Bearing, who is coping as best she can with terminal ovarian cancer, Thompson is by turns hilarious, heartbreaking and everything in between, pretty much running the gamut of emotions.
Audra McDonald, as a compassionate nurse, is right there with them, and has her moments to shine, as does Eileen Atkins as Vivian's eloquent mentor.Equally noteworthy is Mike Nichols sure-footed direction, as is his and Thompson's screen adaptation of Margaret Edson's play.
Susie acts as the patient's advocate and treats her with kindness, caring, and sees her as a human being who experiences very real effects of her illness and the disease process, the treatment she receives, and the situation she is in (facing a horrific disease and the possibility of death).
Anyone wrestling with this dread disease and, for that matter, looking death in the eye, can gain some comfort from this superb Mike Nichols/Emma Thompson film.
The sympathetic nurse (Susie Monahan) is played by Audra McDonald in a very nuanced portrayal of a dedicated health care worker who brings a touch of caring back into the sterile medical research equation.This movie has many peaks and valleys for the viewer to experience along with the protagonist.
I roared with laughter when, waiting uncomfortably in the stirrups for her former student to give her a gynecological exam, she opines that in retrospect she "should have given him an A." The scene in which the magnificent Atkins comes to Thompson's bedside and reads her a story had me bawling like a baby.Having seen Thompson's stage portrayal of the Fool in King Lear many years ago, I was already convinced she was one of the best actresses of our age.
From now on however, my answer will be to watch this film.Emma Thompson's performance and the absolutely magnificent script together provide a powerful and moving portrayal of what it's like to be on the receiving end of "care" in the American health care system.
The film touches on just about every issue that people dealing with terminal disease face, and Emma Thompson's performance is (typically) splendid.If you haven't seen it, see this film (and call your attorney for a living will and durable medical power of attorney - please!).Butch.
Emma Thompson gives the performance of unparalleled excellence as Professor Vivian Bearing.
I am better for having seen her performance and having known the character of Professor Bearing will remain in my memory for many years to come.I am amazed that Ms Thompson did not win an Emmy for her performance.
Since she is the main character in this seamless, virtually one woman film, as well as the co-writer, I cannot not believe that Mike Nichols could win so many awards for directing, and yet Ms Thompson was overlooked by both the Emmy's and Golden Globes.
Even the sight of the lovely Emma Thompson with her head completely denuded of hair thanks to her accelerated cancer treatments is painful - and yet, somehow, one cannot look away.Thankfully, the script injected enough wry humor to make it bearable.
During those times her basic dry wit and fighting spirit shone through.Despite (or perhaps because of) the presence of a former student as one of the medical team, and a sympathetic nurse, Thompson's character seems essentially alone - something that, because of her extreme devotion to her career and its subject matter - was not a new condition.
The scene between Thompson and Atkins is so stirring that I found myself crying again the following day as I tried to describe it to my husband.As painful as this film was to watch, it was also worthwhile - so much so that I immediately purchased the DVD.
Emma Thompson did so wonderful in this role that it locks you so deep and well connected with the world of a dying cancer patient and it is controversial in that sense on how people try to ignore death and are afraid of it.
Its not an easy film to watch in the first place.The acting is amazing from Emma, she deserved so many more awards such as the golden globe and the Emmy.
Emma Thompson's and Mike Nichol's screen-adaptation of the poignant screen-play by Margaret Edson showcases film's ability to capture the nuances of Thompson's fine acting that would be missed in a stage production.
This is a story of a tough university professor (Emma Thompson) who is diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer.
While Emma Thompson has already established herself as one of the greatest actresses of all time, this film and performance only further this truth.
Essentially, this movie is a "What is this life we live?" kind of movie, following the diagnosis and treatment of a college professor with ovarian cancer, specializing in the holy sonnets of John Donne.
Emma Thompson is brilliant in conveying the pain of Vivian's journey, with a beautiful eloquence that takes the musings of literary greats out of abstraction and into the realm of harsh experience.
"Once I taught, now I am taught", Wit's protagonist, English Professor Vivian Bearing expresses epigrammatically the paradox she faces as a patient with advanced ovarian cancer.
Emma Thompson inhabits Vivian Bearing as a personality in such a way that you can understand her distinct lack of visitors, but also empathise - unsentimentally - with a human being faced with the abstract and literary expression of death becoming an unavoidable part of her near future.
Watching this movie, I could see in the various characters portrayed here the faces of those that cared for my mom -- the too clinical intern, the doctor interested in the "test case/research subject" patient, and the nurse who stopped to take the time to gently put lotion on the hands of a dying patient, that loving touch that we saw from so many more nurses and technicians than we ever saw from doctors.
This is a GOOD thing, as we were encountering not-so-pleasant surprises every day of Mom's hospitalization.I have ALWAYS enjoyed Emma Thompson's work, but I have even more respect for her now having seen how open she was to portraying even the ugliest of side effects of cancer treatment -- the pain, the shaking, the nausea, the mouth and throat sores, the loss of immune system, the hair loss, etc.
This movie shows us the life of a professor of literature from when she first discovers she has fourth stage ovarian cancer, to her eventual death.
Throughout her stay at the hospital, we are regaled with her proper English wit as she comments on the state of her life and the hospital staff who are lacking in bedside manner.Emma Thompson embodies her role as Vivian Bearing.
An actor portraying the final months of a person's life seldom seems convincing, but Emma Thompson calls on every ounce of her acting talent (and she has tons!) to bring us every emotion with more than convincing accuracy.
The supporting cast was outstanding, especially Audra McDonald as the only compassionate person in the hospital (I will make a point to see her perform on Broadway), and Jonathan Woodward as the exact opposite with a medical degree (great first-time work - I HATED the character).Perhaps the greatest praise goes to the writers - Margaret Edson, Mike Nichols (the director), and Emma Thompson (does her talent never stop?).
Emma Thompson's performance is one of the best ever put on film.
A Marvelous Performance -- but No Fun. Possible Spoiler: Since it is immediately explained, I'm not giving much away in saying that this is a film about an accomplished literary professor who is dying of ovarian cancer.
Knowing the plot, I would not have chosen to see the movie except for Emma Thompson (and Mike Nichols) but I'm glad I did..
A great movie with a a great performance by Emma Thompson.
Having had the experience of witnessing my grandfather die of stomach cancer at age sixtyfive when i was 20, seeing this movie brought all the feelings of time back to the present.
It would have been easy for this film to fall into the sentimental, melodramatic mush of Hollywood however Mike Nichols as usual has done an excellent job.The film was intensely clinical, the performance by Emma Thompson was stunningly believable, casting her as a Professor of English was a piece of genius.
Emma Thompson gives one of the most powerful female performances of the last ten years in this tragic story.
The story was originally a theatre piece, which any viewer will recognize almost immediately when Emma Thompson begins speaking to the camera, usually a big "no-no" in the world of film, but here it seems to work.
This is the A team at work!Mike Nichols is quite sensibly restrained, Emma Thompson is simply astonishing --- chamber music.If you have a taste for adult films this is one for you.No sentimentalism, no hollywood bedtime story, a confrontation.
Emma Thompson gives a riveting performance as Vivian Bearing, a tough scholar of English Lit (the Metaphysical Poets, especially John Donne) who is dying of advanced ovarian cancer in her late 40s.
The research MDs who can't see a patient for the disease, the charge nurse who can't (and won't) see the disease for the patient and her needs, the Code Crew who couldn't care less - just let us do our job and get the hell out of the way!And Emma Thompson, one of the greats of all time doing one of the most intense tours de force I have ever seen.
An inspiring, funny, deeply intelligent and deeply touching portrayal of the last eight months in the life of a professor of poetry (Emma Thompson), from the moment of diagnosis of metastatic cancer to the end.
emma thompson's performance is powerful, moving, and the story of her character is compelling beyond much of what i have seen in my lifetime.
After seeing it, I hoped to one day see it again as a teleplay or feature film.When I saw the ads on HBO for the performance of Wit with Emma Thompson, I had my doubts.
That they would somehow "ruin" it with added characters, backstories, subplots and the lot.I'm happy to report that the HBO adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Margaret Edson is true to form.Emma Thompson's portrayal of Dr. Vivian Bearing, professor of 17th century poetry, is incredible.
The tour de force performance of Emma Thompson as hard-hearted English professor turned cancer patient, Vivian Bearing, does great credit to her craft and to Edson's play.
Thankfully Mike Nichols and Thompson refrained from a mawkish, movie-of-the-week portrayal of this devastating disease.Kudos should also go to Audra McDonald as the oncology nurse, Susie, who cares for Vivian.
I have read the play and had the pleasure of seeing the HBO movie, I feel that Emma Thompson has played the role to perfection.
Emma Thompson is so convincing that you actually forget that she is acting and this is only a movie.
English professor Vivian Bearing (Emma Thompson) is diagnosed by Dr. Harvey Kelekian (Christopher Lloyd) with ovarian cancer.
Although the movie starts out with an analytical, philosophical look at end stage ovarian cancer, marked by sharp wit and observation, the film later becomes a tritise on humanity and the need for comfort.
Although the film never had a theatrical release, this made-for-TV project is nevertheless one of the best films I have seen so far this year.Emma Thompson is Professor Vivian Bearing, a scholar in 17th century English poetry (like the one by John Donne above).
Before seeing "Wit," I knew Emma Thompson's acting history as a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, and therefore I knew her performance in this TV movie was to be brilliant.
Thompson is riveting in this Mike Nichols HBO film that makes you laugh and cry with a renown professor dying from ovarian cancer.
Her performance is so realistic it is hard to believe Emma Thompson doesn't have cancer.
At every stage of the movie, young person, professor, cancer patient, she is amazing.
Emma Thompson gives an outstanding performance as a college professor, Dr. Vivian Bearing, bought down by ovarian cancer in middle age.
Emma Thompson put in a very strong performance as a literary professor approaching 50 who is diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer.
Emma Thompson's college professor who discovers that she has ovarian cancer, is good, but lacks the fully fledged emotion that Judith Light brought to the role.The film was still strong, and very emotional, and I would still recommend it to anyone, but if there's anyone who watches it, and feels let down, they would have thoroughly enjoyed in the stage version.