Alan Rudolph has delivered another solid movie, an offbeat comedy of relationships, The Secret Lives of Dentists. Dave and Dana Hurst (Campbell Scott and Hope Davis) are both dentists, established in their careers and with three daughters, and are going through what a friend of mine calls "a rough patch." The self-effacing Dr. Dave has perhaps bonded too tightly with his children; meanwhile, he suspects Dana of having an affair.

Dr. Dave repairs a filling for a cantankerous patient, Slater (Dennis Leary, playing to type). Later, while Dave is taking a drive to blow off steam after a row with Dana, an imaginary Slater appears in the passenger seat to counsel Dave. Soon, the two are screaming "bitch" into the night, riding an ATV and shooting squirrels, and generally machoing it up.

Here's where I think the influence of playwright and screenwriter Craig Lucas (Reckless) is strongest. The relationship between the two men is both more and less than it appears to be.

Cassidy Hinkle, as youngest daughter Leah, with her insistent "Dad-DEE, Dad-DEE," nearly steals the movie. She holds her own in a brief scene with Mr. Leary.

Robin Tunney, as a technician in the Hursts' practice, doesn't have much to do. My dentist would no doubt quibble with some of Dr. Dave's dentistry techniques, as well.

posted: 10:19:19 PM