The story is gripping and easy to feel mostly due to down-on-his-luck, Tommy Wilhelm's anger and frustration with life. Dr. Tamkin, is also a highlight, as his best friend with lots of ideas. I felt that the actors playing most of the other parts were a bit like watching a high school play. Robin Williams and to a leaser degree Jerry Stiller hold this film together as one hopes for a resolution to a life gone sour.