dpc69
Many, many theatrical productions have tried to portray what it is like for a person (or a family) to live with a psychic gift. (ie: Medium, Sixth Sense, Providence, to name only a few). This production excels at this on many levels. I don't know if it is the masterful direction of Stephen Gyllenhaal, the exceptional ensemble cast (Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson, Queen Latifah, Jack Palance, Diane Ladd) or the involvement of the actual character in the writing, but this teleplay is given the treatment it deserves by all involved. This is not just a vehicle for the husband/wife team of Danson/Steenburgen. You can feel everyone's commitment to giving this story authenticity and humanity. Nothing is treated glibly or lightly or taken for granted. The title character is quite unwilling to trust his own visions until they insist on his attention by destroying his business and nearly his sanity. Before proceeding any further I must confess to being a skeptic. I don't personally believe in spirits communicating with living persons. But my grandson fully believes he can see and talk to spirits. How do I deal with that? I have learned to listen and sympathize but not believe. But that means I have been faced with the same problems that so many people in the movie seem to endure. One learns to walk a thin line, trying not to encourage or discourage, just to accept. That is the theme of this work, acceptance. But, back to the excellent acting and great directing. One of Palance's last dramatic roles, a little heavy-handed turn by Danson. But great understated subtlety by Steenburgen. A good watch on a rainy afternoon (4 hours long). I recommend it.
rsternesq
I have to admit I am not a fan of Ted Danson. I think this is the only project of his that I liked and I liked it despite him. This is a very good movie, good writing, good production values and wonders of wonders great acting. Much better than Medium or Ghost Whisperer and near as good as Sixth Sense but, of course, Ted Danson is no Bruce. Oh well. You can't have everything and this made for TV movie sure delivers a lot. Jack Palance is quite a bonus. Just seeing that face reminds this viewer of what movies can be when they try. This one tries and pretty much succeeds. Had this movie been in a traditional format of two or so hours it would not have had the power to immerse the viewer into the characters' world so while it is a bit long and takes a sizable commitment of time, it is worth it. Highly recommended.
Claudio Carvalho
James Van Praagh (Ted Danson) is a weird man who sees and communicates with dead people since he was a child. After the death of his mother Regina Van Praagh (Diane Ladd), he resolves the murder of an old man, and Detective Karen Condrin (Mary Steenburgen) gets close to him. He starts investigating what happened to a dead boy, who insists to try to communicate with him. Later, James and Karen realize that many boys have been murdered and buried in an isolated forest for seven years. There are a few suspects and many mystery to be resolved. This thriller is excellent, having a very tight screenplay. The characters are well-developed, the cast has excellent names, including Queen Latifah and Jack Palance and the direction is good. The plot has drama, thriller, crime and suspense and hooks the attention of the viewer until the last scene. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): `Falando Com os Mortos' (`Talking With the Dead')
x-lechard
I didn't expect much from that film. I was wrong. A man who can see the dead and talk with them is a risky subject. Besides, made for television movies dealing with supernatural events are often disappointing. Producers and directors seem to be afraid to scare audience in any way, and network self-censure doesn't improve that. "Living With The Dead" is a miraculous exception that could break the rule - if television gives us more like this. The actors are all excellent, with a special mention to Ted Danson, who probably gives here his finest performance. Mary Steenburgen is fine too, and both Jack Palance and Diane Ladd are too famous for I say how good they are. The screenplay is excellent, one of the best in TV's history. It alternates chilling and moving moments without any false note, using misdirection and red herrings with consummate skill. The whodunit is remarkably held and will let you guessing until the end. Characters are well-drawn, three-dimensional, not the puppets that one usually see in that kind of productions. A closer look reveals an intelligent reflection on death and how deal with it behind the thriller elements. And don't forget the most important thing: it REALLY SCARES. As I've said above, TV movies are rather weak on that. Not "Living With The Dead", that had me starting, shouting and shuddering more than once, without any gory effect. Kudos to the director. So if you like first-rate ghost stories, that one is a must-see for you. Don't miss it. Maybe the dead are behind you... Don't displease them!
AD
