"I Feel Nice...like Sugar an' Spice!"

James Brown's "I Feel Good" is the trademark song that Richard Gere's character gets down to when he experiences one of his maniacal highs. Withdrawing $10,000 from the bank and inviting the pretty teller out to lunch is no biggie to his manic-depressive self. It's all part of the package, right?

In this realistic depiction of a manic depressive man whose mood swings go from inanely high to life-threateningly low, Richard Gere portrays Mr. Jones with a fervid passion. He carelessly flings his lithium prescription in the garbage, flirts shamelessly, and, in the moment of experiencing a life-threatening high, climbs the frameworks where he is building at the construction site, and daringly balances on a too-high beam. It's all part and parcel for him, no doubt.

It is when Mr. Jones lands in the psychiatric ward of the hospital that we get to see him attempt to actually deal with his illness. He is aided by therapist/doctor convincingly played by the beautiful Lena Olin (of Unbearable Lightness of Being fame). There is even a subplot of a romance kindling between doctor and patient.
We also get to see the innerworkings of the mental hospital, and listen to brief monologues from a schizophrenic and see how the patients interact in the unit. The film also portrays the more dangerous side of working with mental patients, such as when one becomes violent and threatening.

With an engaging script and great acting, this film makes for great entertainment. I'd say it's only foible is that the pace may slacken at times, but Gere picks it up in the scenes he graces. Asian actress Lauren Tom plays a mental patient with perfect aplomb, as well.

For a sometimes playful, intense and insightful film, take a look at Mr. Jones next time you visit your local video store. If you're a Gere or Olin fan, plus if you want to get a glimpse of the mind of a manic depressive and all the accompanying behaviors, Mr. Jones has got it!