Dying Young

Plot synopsis:
Beautiful, carefree Hilary O'Neil is devastated when she finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman. She moves out of their apartment and in with her mother, with whom she doesn't really get along. She sees a newspaper advertisement for a live-in female companion to assist someone who is ill. The only requirements are youth and beauty. Intrigued, Hilary goes to the Geddes mansion in San Francisco's elite Nob Hill for an interview.Several applicants are already there and Hilary is puzzled because they are older and unattractive. Mr. Geddes is seeking a registered nurse to take care of his son during chemotherapy treatments. He realizes that his son placed the ad that Hilary answered and offers her cab fare home. Hilary angrily refuses and begins the long walk down Nob Hill. The Geddes butler chases after her and asks her back for an informal interview with the son.Victor Geddes is in his late 20's and has battled leukemia for several years, slipping in and out of remission. He has no friends and lives in isolation in a separate wing of his father's mansion. Before his diagnosis he had a girlfriend and was a college athlete. After an awkward conversation, he offers Hilary the job. She accepts but makes it clear that he is to stay out of her bedroom. They are employer and employee, nothing more.Victor becomes very ill after his chemo treatment. Hilary is in a panic, not knowing what to do for him. Once he is better, she telephones her girlfriend and confesses that she is leaving. Victor overhears and Hilary decides to stay. She is better prepared to handle the next chemo treatment.In between taking care of Victor, Hilary looks around his living room. There are pictures of him as a child with his now-deceased mother, with his girlfriend, and winning a race in college. Once he became ill, his friends gradually drifted away and his girlfriend left him. He has immersed himself in higher education and is now working on his doctoral dissertation in art history.Mr. Geddes calls from Japan, where he is on an extended business trip. He knows that Victor hired Hilary instead of a trained nurse and is worried, but Victor assures him he is getting on fine.Hilary and Victor gradually become friends and she decides he needs to follow a healthier lifestyle. She buys books on nutrition for cancer patients, fills his kitchen with organic fruits and vegetables, and throws away his cigarettes. In return, Victor attempts to teach her about art and famous paintings. Hilary is not much interested.One day Victor announces that his chemo treatments are over. Hilary questions this and he becomes angry, telling her to call his doctor if she doesn't believe him. He asks her to go away with him for a while. It is years since he has been anywhere. Hilary buys a used Cadillac and they drive to Mendocino, where they rent a beach house. On the way she learns that Victor never learned to drive. She insists on teaching him.While unpacking, Hilary finds a box filled with vials and syringes. She asks what it is and Victor tells her it is morphine, for pain. He only brought it along in case he needed it. Hilary chooses to believe this. Over the next few weeks, she and Victor visit the local bar, play poker, and make friends. When asked why he is bald, Victor makes up a story about being in a religious group that required him to shave his head. Gradually his hair grows back in and he abandons his bandanna. Sometimes he asks to sleep next to Hilary, not for sex but because he feels alone.After a while, Hilary says she should leave now that Victor is well. She doesn't feel right about taking a salary. Victor asks her to stay on without salary but offers to teach her about art in return for all she has done for him. She is sensitive about her lack of education and tries to become interested in art, especially the paintings of Klimst. But it is no use and a thread of discontent threatens their idyllic existence.One night Victor comes to Hilary's bed and they make love. She admits to having fallen in love with him but is uncertain of their future. They visit a maze, where Victor becomes lost and disoriented. Later, when Hilary wants to make love, he rudely refuses. Then she discovers that the morphine he brought is nearly gone. She rummages through the trash and discovers the used syringes and empty vials. Victor admits that he lied when he told her his treatments were over. He had wanted her to see him with hair. Hilary is furious and begins packing. Once again a man she loves has lied to her. After driving into town she telephones Mr. Geddes, who is now back in San Francisco. He has hired detectives to search for Victor. She tells him where to find his son and warns that he is ill again.The next morning, Mr. Geddes visits the beach house. He tries to take Victor back to resume his treatments, but Victor refuses. He is done with treatments. All he had wanted was to go away with Hilary for the time remaining to him. Mr. Geddes understands this. Finally Victor agrees to leave but on the next day. There is a dance in town that evening and he wants to see Hilary one last time.After a heartbreaking conversation, she tells him she will never leave him. If he is to die, she will be there when he takes his last breath. Slowly they walk outside and drive away, leaving the house and all its memories behind.

Tags: tragedy

Review:
It is a film that focuses on a man, Victor (Campbell) dying of leukemia and his internal struggles of wanting to be carefree and wanting total companionship from the Hillary (Roberts), the woman he hires to take care of him.
If they had fully developed Vincent'Onofrio's character then this could have been a beautiful and powerful triangle, but they wasted most of the supporting characters.Campbell Scott was great as the young man dying of leukemia and gave a riveting performance as a young man who had never been able to fully live his life and groping for what he considers his last chance of happiness before dying.Campbell Scott also has the courage to be unlikeable and at times arrogant rather than a plaster saint.
He envies Gordon's easy openness and zest, and is also jealous of the way that Gordon effortlessly connects to JUlia Roberts character,Hilary.The most poignant scene is when this young man of wealth, privilege, and education tries to relate with Gordon and Hilary who are getting a kick out of answering the questions to Jeopardy.
Gordon is hurt and puzzled and Hilary is torn between anger and understanding.I wish that they had had Julia telling Gordon about how the character of Vincent was struggling with cancer, and having all three of them interact with each other bringing more depth to their struggles-- Vincent's jealousy of watching Hilary and Gordon interacting, and Gordon reaching out in friendship to help his new friend.
The actors, Julia Roberts as the hired nurse and Campbell Scott as the very sick young man are excellent and believable in their rolls.
If you want a happy ending you can say that they left together and he was cured, BUT if you are realistic and are aware of how many lives cancer takes you know that they had their time together and eventually he dies.
Very few movies ever make me cry, this being one that has never failed to every time I have seen it.Hilary O'Neil is hired as a nurse when Victor Geddes' father goes away on business.
This movie is a powerful and moving story of one man's need for love and a woman's need simply for a job.Definitely one to watch!.
Campbell Scott's Vincent is a tortured young man who only wants to live enough to prepare himself for death.
A shame, as it could have added more drama to a section of the film that was sorely lacking in any sort of dramatic effect.The ending of the movie isn't bad, but it never quite recovers the momentum of the earlier section.
Still loving this movie...Campbell Scott scene.
This is a great movie for one of those rainy afternoons when you don't mind a little tear here and there.No one in Hollywood can cry and hit you right in the gut like Julia.
Along with Campbell Scott,who is dying from Leukemia, they both give believable performances and the music score is quite good..
Scott and Colleen Dewhurst as his parents, this guy could run the Kentucky Derby and win.Julia Roberts, way before Erin Brockovich, shows compassion and a resilience to helping Vincent.
Of course we know that she will eventually fall in love with him, as he does with her.I like that the movie ends in a "grey" area.
Julia Roberts is good as usual, and looks really young and beautiful too.
I'd rather be buried alive.To be fair, Schumacher has made some good films - "Falling Down" is great fun by any standards - but his bad far outweighs the few good projects he's worked on.
His influence on a film is instantly recognizable."Dying Young" is one of Schumacher's sappy flicks, about a woman (Julia Roberts) who decides to nurse a dying man (Campbell Scott) who has blood cancer.
Typical story - hatred for each other at first followed shortly by a deep romance, which ends in...well...I guess I shouldn't ruin it.The movie is hokey and artificial - it struck me as one of those Hallmark Channel specials you would see on daytime television.
She adds depth to the character of Hillary, a visiting nurse who ends up falling for her patient; well-portrayed by Campbell Scott.Roberts manages to be touching, and also comedic, without using cheap old standby tactics to make the audience like her- (When I think of this, I am thinking of Goldie Hawn, same quirky smile; or Jennifer Aniston-same gestures again and again to the point where it is formulaic and unbelievable.And the audience realizes they are being manipulated.) Roberts is the sympathetic character, Scott the arrogant well-to-do patient, embittered and dying of cancer.There is also a small cameo role with Colleen Dewhurst, and the ending is not trite and predictable.
A very good movie, far superior to the similar Love Story..
In Dying Young the viewer truly empathizes with the characters, while in Love Story, neither character is worth knowing.
Only the most sentimental will tear up in Love Story, while Dying Young bring most to tears.
While this does not mean that it is a great movie, it does mean that the characters are believable and well acted and the story line is good enough to overcome its somewhat predictable premise.
(Campbell Scott was at his best as Victor).Victor who was eager to experience life again, away from hospital treatments, deceived Hilary that he completed his treatment, so she would go with him for what he called vacation.
(If you are a woman, you will fall in love with Campbell; and if you are man, you would like to be taken cared of by Julia after watching these scenes)But without his regular chemotherapy treatment, he felt sick again after several weeks, but hid it from Hilary.
(Kudos to Director Joel Schumaker, for the subtle introduction of an "almost love triangle") Hilary found out Victor was sick again and felt that Victor planned ending his life, instead of going back to hospital treatment.
(This part of the movie was the best I've seen)The ending scene was inspiring, it touched your soul.
After watching this movie in 1991, and many times again and again in the last twenty years, my mind hasn't changed - Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott have been my favorite actors the last two decades, and Dying Young my favorite movie of all times.
Campbell Scott dramatizes the physical and psychological effects of chemotherapy on a young man, dying from leukemia, to perfection.
Julia Roberts plays a directionless young woman with no future (but lots of big red hair) who takes a job as nursemaid to leukemia patient Campbell Scott.
Director Joel Schumacher might have been in over his head: the film needs a light, sensitive touch and it's telling that the only well-directed scenes are the ones where Scott is being a jerk or when Roberts finally lashes out in anger near the end (the only time when she reveals something about herself that feels halfway real).
It's always nice to see supporting players Ellen Burstyn, David Selby and Colleen Dewhurst; however, Burstyn is terribly miscast as a half-wit who collects dolls, Selby has next to nothing to do and Dewhurst (Scott's real-life mother) has an introduction--whirling around with an electric smile--that seems as though she's destined to be the story's grande dame, its Arc Angel (actually, she's not much of a catalyst in the narrative; I'm guessing the rest of her role hit the cutting room floor, not unlike the picture's original ending).
Dewhurst, like Roberts, is just decoration in "Dying Young", a failed tearjerker in a genre that Hollywood used to know how to pull off with style and aplomb, with a few extra tissues.
Julia Roberts was pure and pretty that time, still, beautiful and charming now.but Campbell did change a lot i just couldn't believe he was the same personthis movie was quite touching.
for be touch by the light of lead character face and for accept than Julia Roberts can be more than poster.
That, unfortunately, was my problem with "Dying Young" a movie that I was hoping would stir my emotions, since I am usually a sucker for pictures like this.
"Dying Young" stars Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott, the latter as a young man sick with leukemia, the former as his nurse.
I cared a little more whether Mr. Scott's character lived or died, but even at the end, I couldn't have felt less on the question of whether or not the couple would be able to come together again.
Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott shine as an aimless young woman and a young man suffering from leukemia.
DYING YOUNG is a good film that's very romantic, touching, heartwarming, and moving.
The music is good, too, especially "All The Way," which is the song that Victor (Campbell Scott) played at his home at one point in the movie.
In addition, I thought that Hilary (Julia Roberts) looked very beautiful in the long, white dress she wore to Estelle's Christmas party.
In conclusion, if you like love stories that are happy and sad at the same time, this is the movie to see.
The acting is excellent for the two lead roles: Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott (who played Hamlet and other top notches).Julia was superb and we admired the fine acting that she did.
Julia Roberts becomes the personal nurse to a young man dying of terminal blood cancer (Campbell Scott, son of George C.
Naturally a relapse in the disease means that Scott can have a glimpse of life with Roberts as they fall in love, but of course how long will he be healthy enough for them to be completely happy together?
Julia Robert  is a great actress she can play any role really well..
Julia Roberts plays a young, beautiful, working-class woman who is hired to nurse a rich young man, Campbell Scott, who is dying of leukemia.
The only reason I rate this one film higher than that film is because Julia Roberts is better actress, and nicer on the eyes, than Ali Macgraw, and Julia, thank God, doesn't spend the entire film calling Campbell Scott 'preppy.'.
Stay the heck away from a bland, little movie called "Dying Young"!
However, the wig on Julia Roberts is probably one of the worst I've ever seen in a film.
Julia Roberts, Campbell Scott, Vincent D'Onofrio - each does an admirable job.
Victor Geddes (Campbell Scott) is a rich young man dying of leukemia.
Campbell Scott never convinced me as a romantic lead in this movie.
Sadly dying Young misses the mark by a long way.Plot in A Paragraph: Hilary O'Neil (Julia Roberts) has little luck in work or love.
One day, Hilary answers an ad in a newspaper for a nurse to Victor Geddes (Campbell Scott) a well-educated, rich, and shy 28 year-old who is dying due to leukemia.
Despite his father's protests, Victor hires Hilary to be his live-in caretaker while he undergoes a traumatic course of chemotherapy.This movie is a dull and dreary affair that attempts to manipulate the viewers emotions at every turn.
Please 20th Century Fox release this on DVD,Julia Roberts made two movies this one and also Sleeping with the Enemy(1991) with Fox and neither has yet to be released by them..
Sometimes moving, sometimes slow, this is a classical Julia Roberts movie.
The characters stay with you, like family.(I'm not sure what a 'spoiler' might be with a title like 'Dying Young' - so, if you don't wish to know what the movie is about .
I've seen this movie in real life, mine and many others' lives and families.You will be utterly absorbed by the consummate, intricate writing of Richard Freidenberg's adaptation of the Marti Leimbach novel and the 'invisible' direction - my finest compliment - done by Joel Schumacher.Throughout the film you'll be absorbed by the character's lives.
How utterly real their pain, how complete their anguish, how deep their fear,how intense their love: both of the cancer victim Victor Geddes (Campbell Scott) and the loved ones - especially the caretaker becoming lover, Hiliary O'Neil (Julia Roberts).If the Victor Geddes character had AIDS or Parkinson or Alzheimer's Disease?
Fear is the Bitch Goddess of Cancer and was ever present in 'Dying Yong'!I've never seen Julia Roberts (with whom I've been stuck since 'Pretty Woman") 'disappear into a role' as she did portraying the woman in love with a man dying with cancer.
Campbell Scott, playing the cancer sick Vic Geddes, is likewise consumed by the character and is invisible as an actor.
I kept wanting to yell at each character to speak up, shout, get it out, say something!(I wonder if those who have not had cancer had that same reaction.)I hope that those who see this film will see the magnificence of its incredible love story (in spite of illness!) and feel its adroit kick in the shin rendered against the 'silence and lies' between those about whom you care when ill.
This story is about love, about life, not about death.If ever an actor deserved to be awarded an Oscar it was Julia Roberts' portrayal of a woman in love with a man dying with cancer in 'Dying Young.'See this film: It is an incredible love story!
Of course it's also a romantic tale of the relationship that develops between this particular patient and his caregiver.The movie chronicles the story of a young woman, Hilary, who, following a recent betrayal by her boyfriend, takes a job as a private caregiver to a rather difficult young man, Victor, suffering from terminal blood cancer.
Julia Roberts brings her typical endearing qualities to the role of his nurse, who risks a broken heart by falling for a young man who is most certainly going to die soon.
The movie could have been more meaningful if he'd had these, yet in addition, loved and needed Hilary.
One thing I really like also is that you don't know if Campbell's character dies in the end or not.
Campbell Scott and Julia Roberts do an outstanding job!
A movie that is most definitely not all it is reported to be, but "Dying Young" is still a moving film that depicts the destructive disease of cancer quite well.Julia Roberts returns to good form in her role of an untrained aide for the terminally ill Campbell Scott, who gives a fine and most convincing performance.
I have had someone dying from me from cancer not long ago - not a lover but a very good friend - so I recognize much in the movie.
A nice movie starring Julia Roberts.
Julia Roberts who used to be known as America's Sweetheart with hits such as Pretty Woman,Eat Pray And Love and the ever so good but sorta average Mirror Mirror,here she decides to tone it down a bit and star in this A Walk To Remember styled flick Dying Young with Campbell Scott.Here she plays Hilary a woman who caught her boyfriend having a steamy session with another woman and Hilary is heartbroken.
But is Vincent hiding something from Hilary and will Hilary stay by his side when his time is up?Overall this film was great.
If you are looking for a tearjearker or if you like me a fan of Julia Roberts then check it out.Overall its a 6 not as good as A Walk To Remember but still worth checking out..
I'd always wanted to see Dying Young - with its catchy title.Enjoyed the movie; it's certainly a concept movie; leukaemia patient finds love with his nurse.
The production values were absolutely superb as were the interiors and the costumes.Julia Roberts was great, as was Campbell Scott, and a hint of menace from Vincent D'onofrio.Enjoyed the wide open vistas of California and the gorgeous towns and building built along the coast The soundtrack was good with a mix of popular and orchestral.Thoroughly recommend this film as a good all round concept movie which should please most people in the family..
Julia Roberts Elevates This Film.
Dying Young is a romance film that is based on a novel of the same title by Marti Leimbach.It stars Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott together with Vincent D'Onofrio, Colleen Dewhurst and Ellen Burstyn.It was directed by Joel Schumacher.When Victor Geddes discovers that he is suffering from leukemia, his wealthy family hires pretty, young Hillary O'Neil to help nurse him through his chemotherapy treatment.
The film presents a beautiful love story between two people one of whom is terminally ill.Although the plot is not original and has been done in many movies before,Julia Roberts provides a great performance to elevate it from being just another mediocre,clichéd and predictable tearjerker.Also,one great thing about the movie is the beautiful cinematography as the location was set on the San Francisco Bay Area..
Plot in a nutshell: Hilary O'Neil (Roberts) is an attractive but educational and occupationally challenged young woman becomes involved with a wealthy, well educated young man, Vincent Geddes (Campbell Scott), dying from leukemia.
Julia Roberts gives what is probably considered one of her better performances as the frustrated young woman who reluctantly becomes the caretaker, but then falls in love with the ill-fated Vincent, only to be devastated by the fact that his poor health ultimately dooms their romance to fail.
Vincent is also well played by Campbell Scott.
Julia Roberts plays the part of a woman hired to be a nurse maid to Campbell Scott (as Victor Geddes)as he goes through the agony of blood cancer treatments.
I also was not convinced by Julia Roberts performance and saw no reason for her to gradually fall in love with the gentleman that is going through the ordeal.
He seemed to be very obnoxious the whole time!The scenes where he goes through his painful chemotherapy are very difficult to watch and one wonders why Roberts is willing to stay with him.If you want to see a really moving story with Julia Roberts about death, I highly recommend the movie Flatliners.