72
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversThis blisteringly cynical satire, written by Paddy Chayefsky, is one of the darkest movies ever made, a cold-eyed lament for a society torn apart by upheavals of the Sixties.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertIt has been criticized for switching tone in midstream, but maybe it's only heading for deeper, swifter waters.
- 75TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe laughs are sardonic, and the reality of Chayefsky's heavy-handed message (i.e., hospitals treat their patients badly) eats away at the viewer. But even when it falls flat, it's still an interesting watch.
- 70The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyAlthough Mr. Chayefsky has written a very contemporary melodramatic farce, his political sympathies have their roots in the liberalism of 20 years ago.
- 60The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelThe picture strains for seriousness now and then, but even when it makes a fool of itself it's still funny.
- 50Time OutTime OutIt starts off with some marvellously cruel moments, and Scott's performance towers over the proceedings throughout. But Hiller's direction is pretty shoddy, while the script eventually loses its way and begins to look increasingly hysterical, at the same time shamelessly trivialising Scott's crisis.