Alternative Therapy

A gem of a black comedy which is the best under-ten-minutes consultation about the human psyche I have ever seen. Bill Steel, playing disillusioned psychiatrist Dr Arbuthnott, oozes angst from every pore. A gem of a performance supported by an adoring but equally anxious secretary, played by Sue Reid. You will become involved with this film. If, when quack American therapist Leyton Bridges makes his sound-only appearance from video cassette you do not feel tempted to throttle him immediately, then you are in denial and need to see a psychiatrist. I would love to see the sequel, which could well be about those who feel compelled to inflict pain on the innocent in the dentist's chair. Coming from this writer/director that would be funny.

The lead actor is very good. He never overplays his lines. Sue Reid is very impressive. She plays the role in an understated way, where a lesser actress might have been tempted to do a typical 'mousey' secretary.