A mysterious man (Kevin Spacey) shows up in Grand Central Station claiming to be an alien, and is promptly taken to a mental institution. When he doesn't respond to medication, he begins seeing a psychiatrist (Jeff Bridges) who is fascinated by him. The man calls himself Prot (rhymes with "boat"), and tells the doctor about life on his home planet, K-PAX. When he learns of Prot's ability to see ultraviolet light, and his savant-like knowledge of astronomy, the psychiatrist, despite his skepticism, begins to believe. But his continuing obsession with the man begins to bring out deeper issues, and Bridges' character is compelled to question whether his patient is a visitor from another world, or simply a deeply disturbed man. Based on the novel of the same title by Gene Brewer, the film is directed by Iain Softley. More than a science-fiction tale, K-PAX is a reflection on the way we live our lives, the things we think we know, and the connection of one human being to another. Spacey gives his usual believable, complex performance, and Bridges is exceptional in the role of a man torn by what he knows and what he wants to believe.
Theatrical release: October 26, 2001
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Audio:
TBD
Additional Release Material:
Alternate Endings
Deleted Scenes
Audio Commentary - 1. Iain Softley
Making-of
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
DVD-ROM Features:
Web Links
Source Writer
Gene Brewer: Source Writer, K-PAX (2001)
Director of Photography
John Mathieson: Director of Photography
Review 1:
"...An existential meditation on the state of mankind in the form of a modern-day Christ allegory..."
Source: Box Office
p.59 12/01/2001
Review 2:
"...The visual energy is indeed remarkable....The interaction between Spacey and Bridges makes it at all times a duel to savor..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.48-9 04/01/2002
Review 3:
"...Visually arresting....With layer upon layer of intrigue until your bursting to get to the heart of the mystery..."
Source: Total Film
p.100 05/01/2002
Review 4:
"...Involving..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.6 01/20/2002
Review 5:
"...A mystical, twistical psychological drama....Collaborating with painterly cinematographer John Mathieson, Softley lingers on moments of otherworldly beauty..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.45-6 11/02/2001