Coburn proves here he can do casual self-assurance as well as anyone. His Dr. Carey, however, goes beyond that breezy stage to an egotism that ends in one of Hollywood's dreariest clichés— the hero as infallible master of every situation. However, the effortless mastery does get tiresome. Still and all, it's not required of a good movie that the central character be likable. A film may rise or fall on merits other than personality. The trouble is this movie has few redeeming merits. The biggest problem, as others point out, is a ragged script with more holes than a kitchen sieve. Had the screenplay played up the mystery, closed some of the holes (why did Karen falsely implicate Dr. Tao, an event that triggers the entire storyline?), and tightened up the suspense, we would have had a more memorable result. Instead, there's the ridiculous wild car ride, the pointless banter with O'Neill, and several flabby scenes (the autopsy, for one). Whatever director Edwards' proved skills with comedy (The Pink Panther, et al.), that same skill is not in evidence with a thriller like this one. My guess is that compromises were made to turn the movie into a vehicle for Coburn. But whatever the reason, the result is disappointing.
Review of The Carey Treatment
