Critical Care
“At Memorial Hospital no one ever dies... Until their insurance runs out.”
Synopsis
Werner Ernst is a young hospital resident who becomes embroiled in a legal battle between two half-sisters who are fighting over the care of their comatose father. But are they really fighting over their father's care, or over his $10 million estate? Meanwhile, Werner must contend with his nutty supervisor, who insists that he only care for patients with full insurance. Can Werner sidestep the hospital's legal team and do what's best for the patient?
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Critical Care (1997) Trailer (VHS Capture)
Type: Trailer • Published 2015-01-18
Top Cast
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James Spader
Dr. Werner Ernst
Kyra Sedgwick
Felicia E. Potter
Helen Mirren
Stella
Albert Brooks
Dr. Butz
Anne Bancroft
Nun
Wallace Shawn
Furnaceman
Jeffrey Wright
Rafael ("Bed Two")
Margo Martindale
Constance 'Connie' Potter
Philip Bosco
Dr. Hofstader
Edward Herrmann
Robert Payne
Colm Feore
Richard Wilson
James Lally
Poindexter
Bruno Dressler
Joseph F. Potter
Al Waxman
Sheldon Hatchett
Harvey Atkin
Judge Fatale
Hamish McEwan
Hansen
Jackie Richardson
Mrs. Steckler
Barbara Eve Harris
E.R. Nurse
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 31, 1997
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 26, 1999
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$12M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$271K
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.02x
-$11.7M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sidney Lumet
- Screenplay & Story
- Steven Schwartz
- Original Title
- Critical Care
- Country of Origin
- United States of America, Australia
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
- Production Budget
- $12M
- Worldwide Gross
- $271K
- Production Studios
- Mediaworks, ASQA Film Partnership, Live Entertainment, Village Roadshow
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sidney Lumet
Steven Schwartz, Richard Dooling
David Watkin
Tom Swartwout
Sidney Lumet, Steven Schwartz
Department Leadership Roster
Sidney Lumet
Director
Steven Schwartz
Screenplay
Philip Rosenberg
Production Design
Sidney Lumet
Producer
David Watkin
Director of Photography
Tom Swartwout
Editor
Steven Schwartz
Producer
Dona Granata
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Critical Care.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Critical Care.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Care
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Critical Care about?
Werner Ernst is a young hospital resident who becomes embroiled in a legal battle between two half-sisters who are fighting over the care of their comatose father. But are they really fighting over their father's care, or over his $10 million estate? Meanwhile, Werner must contend with his nutty supervisor, who insists that he only care for patients with full insurance. Can Werner sidestep the hospital's legal team and do what's best for the patient?
Who directed Critical Care?
Critical Care was directed by Sidney Lumet.
Who stars in Critical Care?
The principal cast of Critical Care includes James Spader, Kyra Sedgwick, Helen Mirren, Albert Brooks, Anne Bancroft.
When was Critical Care released and how long is it?
Critical Care was released in 1997 with a total runtime of 1h 47m.
What was the box office and production budget of Critical Care?
Critical Care had a reported production budget of $12M and grossed $271K at the worldwide box office (0.02 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Is Critical Care based on a book or true story?
Critical Care is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Richard Dooling".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Critical Care?
Critical Care holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).