A dean and professor of classics (Anthony Hopkins) at a New England college is forced to resign after being accused of making racist remarks during class. After his wife (Phyllis Newman) dies suddenly, he attempts to have a neighbor and writer (Gary Sinise) write a book about the incident. The writer refuses but the two men become friends. Based on the novel by Philip Roth (PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT) and directed by Robert Benton (PLACES IN THE HEART). Roth's novel was acclaimed and a best seller. The movie version was dismissed by critics and audiences upon its release. The film's examination of political correctness and racial identity has resonance but there's a big problem. While their performances are exemplary, Hopkins and Nicole Kidman (as his lover) cannot surmount their miscasting. Simply put, they're just so wrong for their parts that it's an impediment to the film's believability. A missed opportunity. With Wentworth Miller, Ed Harris, Kerry Washington, Margo Martindale, Anna Deavere Smith, Harry Lennix and Jacinda Barrett.
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