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A mysterious man, Prot (Kevin Spacey), appears at the New York Grand Central Station, claims to
be from the planet K-Pax, and is promptly taken to the Psychiatric Institute of Manhattan. His doctor is workaholic Mark Powell (Jeff Bridges), chief of clinical psychiatry.
Despite his strange ways, Prot seems sane and intelligent until he talks about his origin. Dr. Powell, who has treated some delusionals, is sure that with his expertise, he
can probe Prot's mysterious past and prove that he is no alien. But when Prot starts detailed explanations and calculations faster than a computer about star systems and how
his planet evolved from all these, astounding even the best of astro-physicists, Powell starts having doubts. Is Prot for real or just an exceptional nut case?
While the movie and some of its psychobabble may be quite long for comfort, K-Pax is still
a worthwhile moving experience. Praiseworthy are the compelling performances of the two lead stars: Spacey with the more pretentious role of gazing wistfully as he offers
platitudes, while Bridges, in contrast, is a natural, with his strong performance slowly creeping up on the viewereach character complementing the other. Making up for
whatever deficiencies there are, is Mathieson's superb photography, with vibrant colors sparkling during happier moments against the gloomy greys pervading mental asylums. Its
ambiguous twist of a finale can spawn stimulating discussions.
At first glance, K-Pax may not seem at par with previous hits of its genre, but a closer look can
reveal interesting issues. A stranger, if not an acknowledged alien, invades the dreary disturbed world of a mental institution, causing changes in most everyone. His
co-patients learn to smile and hope as he tells them that getting well can begin by the sighting of a bluebird. When Dr. Powell invites Prot to spend a day with his family, he
sees how happy Prot is, playing with the kids and sharing happy talk with his wife, including confidentialities like how Powell has not spoken to his son in years. Powell
realizes how lucky he is, for according to Prot, families do not exist in K-Pax. And especially after Prot's parting words, he feels guilty as sin for neglecting his family
and spending too much time with his patients. For as Prot was about to leave for home, Dr. Powell asks if he can visit his planet. Prot wisely answers: "See first more of your
own world and your family", a message, not only for Powell, but perhaps for most of us earthlings.
(Date reviewed: May 10, 2002)
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