Click to read the article
Novocaine (2001)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:105
Fresh:39
Rotten:66
Average Rating:4.6/10
Consensus: The quirky Novocaine flirts with both dark comedy and noir suspense, but the result is a jarring mix of tones which never quite mesh.
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis:
Novocaine, Artisan Entertainment’s edgy, unpredictable crime thriller, stars Steve Martin as a prosperous dentist whose well-ordered existence is thrown into turmoil when an alluring new patient...
Novocaine, Artisan Entertainment’s edgy, unpredictable crime thriller, stars Steve Martin as a prosperous dentist whose well-ordered existence is thrown into turmoil when an alluring new patient draws him into a seedy underworld of sex, drugs and murder. This stylish macabre film also stars Laura Dern, Helena Bonham-Carter and Scott Caan, and marks the feature directorial debut of writer David Atkins.
Frank Sangster is living the American Dream. Blessed with a thriving dental practice and a sleek modernist home, Frank is happily engaged to his ambitious dental hygienist, Jean Noble (Laura Dern). His perfectly managed life quickly unravels, however, when Susan Ivy (Helena Bonham-Carter), a seductive new patient with an appetite for pain-killers, settles into his dentist chair. Before long, drugs are missing from his office, Susan’s psychotic brother Duane (Scott Caan) is stalking him, and Frank himself is wanted by both the DEA and the police for drug trafficking and murder. As he flees from authorities, Frank becomes increasingly drawn to Susan, and through her learns he is the victim of an elaborate con scheme, which may also involve his wayward brother, Harlan (Elias Koteas). Fueled by the desire to create a new life for himself and Susan, Frank plunges into a shadowy world of drugs and violence in order to prove his innocence, only to discover that breaking the law might provide his only hope for freedom.
Defying expectations at every turn, Novocaine takes a twisted look at the menace that lurks beneath the innocent veneer of the everyday. Writer/director David Atkins has turned classic film noir on its head, distinguishing his work with surprising plot twists, surrealist flourishes and a mischievous sense of humor. With an all-star cast, featuring Steve Martin in a brilliantly restrained performance, Novocaine proves that crime is no longer just for criminals.
Starring: Steve Martin, Helena Bonham-Carter, Laura Dern, Kevin Bacon
Starring: Steve Martin, Helena Bonham-Carter, Laura Dern, Kevin Bacon, Scott Caan, Elias Koteas
Director: David Atkins
Director: David Atkins
Screenwriter: David Atkins
Producer: Paul Mones, Daniel M. Rosenberg
Composer: Steve Bartek, Danny Elfman
Studio: Artisan Entertainment
Reviews for Novocaine
This Hitchcockian yarn compensates for its leading man's rather anonymous performance with some well-placed shocks, a morbid sense of humour, and a climax that will literally put your teeth on edge.
It is entertaining enough to arouse imagination of post-Tarantino audience.
Prejudicado por um roteiro previsível e que jamais opta por um gênero claro, o filme traz uma ótima atuação de Steve Martin, que deveria fazer mais filmes "sérios".
The film and site offer an offbeat trip, but this is certainly not recommended for anyone who's currently thinking about major dental work.
To say this is black comedy is to understate the case, but the fun parts really are a hoot.
While the plot does work in mechanical terms, its multiple ins and outs never achieve more than plodding motion.
In a world filled with technically beautiful dogs, every once in awhile it’s nice to see a film that bets the bank on great storytelling and a whole lot of soul.
Filled with dark, edgy details and atmosphere, but ultimately becomes a very cold enterprise because you simply don't care about any of the characters.
Latest News for Novocaine
December 21, 2005:
Critical Consensus: "Dick & Jane" Not Much Fun; "Cheaper" Is Bankrupt
This week's wide releases include a remake ("Fun With Dick and Jane") and a sequel to a remake ("Cheaper By the Dozen 2"). Will critics be laughing at these... More...
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| 19% 19% | Transformers: Revenge … |
| 55% 55% | Orphan |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 88% 88% | Ballast |
| 66% 66% | The Merry Gentleman |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

