Novocaine (2001)

User Rating:

5.8/10   

Director:

David Atkins

Writers (WGA):

Paul Felopulos (story) &
David Atkins (story) ...

Release Date:

23 November 2001 (Italy)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Crime Is Not Only Done By Criminals.

Plot:

A dentist finds himself a murder suspect after a sexy patient seduces him into prescribing her drugs.

Plot Keywords:

Dentist | Murder | Implied Incest | Drugged Brother | Blood Looking Paint

Cast

Chelcie Ross	...	Mike
Steve Martin	...	Frank Sangster
Laura Dern	...	Jean Noble
Lynne Thigpen	...	Pat
Polly Noonan	...	Sally
Helena Bonham Carter	...	Susan
JoBe Cerny	...	Pharmacist Wayne Ponze
Elias Koteas	...	Harlan Sangster
Yasen Peyankov	...	'Sunshine Lounge' Bartender
Scott Caan	...	Duane
Teri Cotruzzola	...	Attractive Complaining Patient
Lucina Paquet	...	Mrs. Langston
Preston Maybank	...	Gelding
Sally Kao	...	Chinese Wife
Quincy Wong	...	Chinese Husband

MPAA:

Rated R for violence, sexuality, language and drug content.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:M18 (DVD rating) | Singapore:PG (theatrical release) | Australia:M (TV rating) | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-15 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIB | Peru:14 | Spain:13 | UK:15 | USA:R (MPAA #37950) | Canada:AA (Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Cedarburg, Wisconsin, USA

Company:

Artisan Entertainment

Trivia:

Steve Martin and Scott Caan did not get along during filming due to Caan's reckless behavior toward a stunt person in a scene in which his character smashes a beer bottle over the head of a man in a bar.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When Frank enters the bathroom for the first time, you can see the reflection of a cameraman in the shower door.

Quotes:

Frank: I trust people, but I'm no dummy. I knew she was scamming me, and I should have thrown her out right then but I didn't. You see, that's the nature of attraction. You find yourself doing things, and you have no idea why, but you do them anyway.

Movie Connections:

References The Hard Way (1991)

Soundtrack:

The Money Shot

Impressed with Steve Martin all over again.

Steve Martin has great taste and gets some of the best stories in the industry. I don't think he's made a bad movie and this one is stellar. Novocaine is a little along the lines of Spanish Prisoner and reminds me of Memento. The plot was complex, the acting superb, it was well crafted, surprising, and even funny. When it started out I couldn't help but squirm in my chair due to the horrible decisions the dentist was making. Nevertheless, let me assure you that in the end we all went away feeling fully entertained and pleased. The crowd at the advance screening loved it as well. I continue to be impressed with Steve Martin. How many actors or artists can you honestly say that about? What a great show!