Desperate Measures: Synopsis, Cast, and Impact
An Overview of the Film's Plot
Desperate Measures (1998) is a gripping action thriller that follows the desperate struggle of a widowed police officer, Frank Conner (Andy Garcia), to save his son, Matt (Joseph Cross). Matt is in dire need of a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
Frank's relentless search for a compatible donor leads him to a dangerous and secretive world of organ trafficking. He teams up with a seasoned thief, Peter McCabe (Michael Keaton), and a brilliant surgeon, Dr. Samantha Hawkins (Marcia Gay Harden), to navigate the treacherous path of illegal medical practices.
Cast and Crew
Key Cast Members
- Andy Garcia as Frank Conner
- Michael Keaton as Peter McCabe
- Marcia Gay Harden as Dr. Samantha Hawkins
- Brian Cox as Captain Jeremiah Cassidy
Director and Production Team
Desperate Measures was directed by Barbet Schroeder, known for his acclaimed films Reversal of Fortune and Single White Female. The screenplay was written by David Klass, with Randall Wallace and Gary Ross providing story contributions.
Themes Explored
The film explores several thought-provoking themes, including:
- The lengths a desperate parent will go to save their child
- The moral dilemmas faced by those involved in illegal activities
- The complexities of the human heart and the choices we make
Critical Reception
Desperate Measures received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the performances of Garcia and Keaton, while others found the plot implausible and the pacing slow at times.
Despite the mixed reviews, the film has gained a cult following over the years. It is considered by some to be a suspenseful and thought-provoking action thriller that effectively explores the themes of desperation and moral compromise.
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