It's a good thing that ''John Q.'''s original November 2001 release date was reconsidered last summer: Post–Sept. 11 audiences might not have sympathized with a guy taking an ER hostage. But given the extra months'distance, the film could play as intended -- as a nerve-racking drama about an ordinary dad (Denzel Washington) who snaps when health-insurance red tape keeps his young son (newcomer Daniel E. Smith) from getting the heart transplant he needs to survive. ''When I read the script, I thought this was going to be an exposé on what's wrong with the American medical system,'' says Cassavetes. ''It wasn't about that at all. It's a simple story about a family that's in trouble.''
And the director could relate: His own teenage daughter was born with congenital heart disease and has been in and out of hospitals throughout her life. ''It's going to sound stupid, but I did my first film for my mom [Gena Rowlands], my second film I did for my dad [John Cassavetes], and the notion came across as I read the script, 'Oh wow, I'll do this one for Sasha.'It seemed right.'' Agrees actress Elise, cast as Mrs. Q., ''Nick's a great director for this -- because I'm basically playing him.''
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.