Alex, a sad-eyed mournful man, goes into psychotherapy: he discloses he’s a hit man. He also tells the doctor, after a few sessions, that he’s attracted to a young woman he’s met in the waiting room. She’s Sarah, 23, quick, edgy, and perhaps attracted to him as well. But he’s married, the dutiful father of a young precocious boy, so Sarah brushes him off. In flashbacks we see him get his start as a killer, at his father’s prompting: it’s the family business. Dad gives Alex his next assignment: to kill the therapist. Alex keeps returning to Sarah, calling her, stopping by her apartment, as he decides what to do about the hit, his father, his marriage, and his malaise.

Panic (2000)
  • Rating: (5,296 votes)
  • Tagline:A Story of Family, Lust, Murder ...and Other Midlife Crises »
  • Runtime:88 minutes
  • Director: Henry Bromell
  • Country:USA
  • Actors:
    Alex
    William H. Macy
    Dr. Josh Parks
    John Ritter
    Sarah Cassidy
    Neve Campbell
    Michael
    Donald Sutherland
    Martha
    Tracey Ullman
    Deidre
    Barbara Bain
    Sammy
    David Dorfman
    Dr. Leavitt
    Tina Lifford
    Louie
    Bix Barnaba
    Tracy
    Nicholle Tom
  • Genres:Drama, Comedy, Crime, Thriller
  • Producers:
    David Cooper
    executive producer  
    Matt Cooper
    producer  
    Glenn S. Gainor
    line producer  
    Jody Hedien
    co-producer  
    Andrew Lazar
    producer  
    Lori Miller
    producer  
    Carol S. Trussel
    associate producer  
  • Plot: Alex, a sad-eyed mournful man, goes into psychotherapy: he discloses he's a hit man. He also tells the doctor, after a few sessions, that he's attracted to a young woman he's met in the waiting room. She's Sarah, 23, quick, edgy, and perhaps attracted to him as well. But he's married, the dutiful father of a young precocious boy, so Sarah brushes him off. In flashbacks we see him get his start as a killer, at his father's prompting: it's the family business. Dad gives Alex his next assignment: to kill the therapist. Alex keeps returning to Sarah, calling her, stopping by her apartment, as he decides what to do about the hit, his father, his marriage, and his malaise. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Panic
  • User's comment:Dad by jotix100

    I recently caught up with this little gem of a film on cable. It took me by surprise, even though, I should have expected it from the team involved with this movie.

    Henry Bromwell directed this film with a sure hand, and it shows. One always wonders about the secret life of hit killers. One doesn't have to go too far to realize they probably are one's own neighbors, or social acquaintances, or even friends; they're no different from us, at least on the surface.

    In this story, the grandfather, is a despicable character who does not hesitate in eliminating anyone for the right price. He has no scruples in teaching the ropes to his own son, and even to the grandson!

    Alex, is a man living in turmoil. He knows what he has done in the past and suddenly is coming to realize the consequence of his actions. He has to see someone to help him find peace with himself. In going to Dr. Parks, he is trying to find absolution, although, he doesn't find it there. On the contrary, there is a dramatic twist when Alex learns about who is supposed to kill next.

    Alex, brilliantly portrayed by William H. Macy, mesmerizes us. Not only is he a fantastic actor, but he makes us believe he is that man. One of the best things in the movie is the late John Ritter. He is equally convincing as Dr. Parks, the man who unravels the mystery.

    Donald Sutherland, as the grandfather is perfect. He is a natural actor in everything he does. Neve Campbell surprised in her pivotal role of Sarah. She shows a capability and range that are incredible. Tracey Ullman is Martha, the suffering wife, and she doesn't get to do much. Also Barbara Bain, in a rare appearance, is the grandmother from hell. David Dorfman, is a delight in the film. He shows a maturity beyond his years.


  • Quotes: Sammy: Dad... When can I get a Guitar? Alex: When you've mastered the harmonica. Sammy: When can I get an electric guitar?
  • Also known as: Pánico (Argentina), Pánico (Mexico), Pánik (Hungary - imdb display title), Panic (France), Panic - Der Tod hat Tradition (Germany - TV title), Panik (Sweden), Panikos (Greece - transliterated ISO-LATIN-1 title), Volte-face (Canada - French title),

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