← Back to results
K-PAX
2001 120 min Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America PG-13 16+
★6.8
Science Fiction, Drama, Mystery
Director: Iain Softley
📖 Based on the novel
«K-PAX»
byGene Brewer
Trailers
Description
Prot is a patient at a mental hospital who claims to be from a far away planet. His psychiatrist tries to help him, only to begin to doubt his own explanations.
Budget:
$48M
US Gross:
$50.34M
Worldwide:
$50.32M
Starring
Kevin Spacey
Actor
Jeff Bridges
Actor
Mary McCormack
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2002
— Best Actor
Key opinion
K-PAX is widely regarded as a deeply contemplative and philosophical drama that uses the ambiguity of its protagonist's identity to explore themes of human value and mental health. While many viewers find the film uniquely moving and thought-provoking, critics are divided on its execution, with some praising its atmospheric nuance and others dismissing the narrative as shallow or overly predictable.
| Acting | Kevin Spacey’s nuanced performance, characterized by his emotionless demeanor and distinct physical presence, serves as the film’s essential anchor. | |
| Score | The score effectively establishes an otherworldly, detached atmosphere that complements the film's mysterious tone. | |
| Theme | The film excels as an unconventional, contemplative exploration of human psychology and moral values rather than a standard science fiction epic. | |
| Runtime | Opinions on the runtime and pacing are divided: some appreciate the calm, meditative build-up, while others feel the brevity of the film limits necessary character depth and dialogue development. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay divides viewers; proponents admire its ambiguity and emotional resonance, while detractors criticize it for being predictable and emotionally shallow. | |
| Ending | The film's mystery regarding the protagonist's origins creates an engaging narrative tension for some, while others find the reliance on mismatched clues and unresolved questions to be unsatisfying or pretentious. |