At First Sight

Genre: Romance/Drama.

Studio: MGM.
Production Company: Unknown.

Project Phase: In The Can.

Who's In It: Val Kilmer (Virgil Adamson); Mira Sorvino (Amy Benic); Kelly McGillis (Jenny Anderson); Nathan Lane (Dr. Phil Webster); Steven Weber (Sam Allanbrook); Ken Howard; Bruce Davison (Dr. Charles Aaron); Allison Smith.
Who's Making It: Irwin Winkler (Director); Steve Levitt (Screenwriter); Rob Cowan, Irwin Winkler (Producers); John Seale (Director of Photography); John A. Dunn (Costume Designer); Jane Musky (Production Designer); Julie Monroe (Editor); Mark Isham (Musical Score); Based on the story To See and Not See by Dr. Oliver Sacks.

Premise: When New York City architect Amy Benic falls in love with blind, charismatic masseur Virgil Adamson, she convinces him to undergo experimental surgery that will allow him to see the world as she sees it -- in all its chaotic, colorful glory. In this new, exciting time together, they soon learn that all gifts come with a price and vision is comprised of a multitude of senses.

Release Date: January 15, 1999.

Comments: Top Gun alumnis Kelly McGillis and Val Kilmer reunite as siblings in this movie. Dr Sacks also wrote 1990's Awakenings.

Rumors: Unknown.

Scoop Feedback:

[Page draft submitted in braille by 'Deadpool'.]

January 14, 1999... With the picture opening tomorrow should you decide to see it? Perhaps our review will give you a better view:

"Movies are a visual medium, we all know that. That's why this film is so disappointing. This is about vision and seeing, but it doesn't really convey it. In fact it doesn't convey much of anything.

"Amy Benic (Mira Sorvino) is a New York City architect working with her ex- husband (Steven Weber) on a major project. She's beat, and goes on a quickie trip to a spa upstate to get some rest and relaxation. While up there she meets Virgil Adamson (Val Kilmer), a blind masseur. He seems to understand her. She wants to understand him. Romance ensues. She meets his overprotective sister Jenny (Kelly McGillis), who isn't very happy with Amy's being there. She also finds an article on a Dr. Charles Aaron (Bruce Davison) in Virgil's house, explaining a possible cure.

"Taking it on herself, Amy contacts Dr. Aaron, and soon, after some tediousness, Virgil has his sight back.

"The problem is director Winkler really has no idea what to do with this. The story, which is SHOULD be primarily about the experience of a whole new sense and the real problems this has on Virgil, is to some extent given the short shrift. The romance angle, which, I guess should be there, is played up, but in a very clunky way. Nathan Lane is great as a doctor who helps Virgil with his problems seeing, but he is underused. Ken Howard as Virgil and Jenny's father is completely wasted. There just wasn't any emotion there. In fact, there isn't any real emotion anywhere.

"This is a cardboard movie about a real miracle. The first great disappointment of the year."

[Reviewed by Eric Lurio.]

The Tag Lines:

"Only love can bring you to your senses."

"Science gave him sight. She gave him vision."



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