Coma Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A doctor gets nosy when too many folks nap after surgery, uncovering a sinister plot to sell their organs like spare car parts.

🍿 Coma: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Suspicion

Dr. Susan Wheeler, a young doctor at Boston Memorial Hospital, is alarmed when her friend Nancy enters a coma after a routine abortion. Susan begins investigating other coma cases and discovers a pattern: healthy, young patients experiencing complications during otherwise minor surgeries. Her investigation leads her to suspect something sinister is happening within the hospital.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Susan’s research points to Operating Room 8 as the common denominator for the inexplicable comas. She discovers that the patients are then transferred to the Jefferson Institute, a long-term care facility. Her pursuit of the truth makes her increasingly isolated, with hospital staff dismissing her concerns and her boyfriend, Dr. Mark Bellows, initially skeptical of her findings.

The Jefferson Institute

Susan gains access to the Jefferson Institute, where she finds rows of comatose patients suspended from the ceiling, kept alive by machines. This horrifying discovery confirms her worst fears: the comas are not accidental. The institute is revealed to be part of a larger organ harvesting scheme. Someone is intentionally inducing patients into comas to sell their organs on the black market.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Susan Wheeler (Geneviève Bujold): A determined young doctor investigates a series of mysterious comas in her hospital, uncovering a disturbing conspiracy.
• Dr. Mark Bellows (Michael Douglas): Susan’s boyfriend and a fellow doctor, initially skeptical but eventually supportive of her investigation.
• Dr. George Harris (Richard Widmark): The seemingly supportive Chief of Staff who is revealed to be the mastermind behind the coma conspiracy.
• Dr. George (Rip Torn): The head of anesthesiology, involved in the conspiracy to induce comas in patients.
• Mrs. Emerson (Elizabeth Ashley): The cold and intimidating head nurse at the Jefferson Institute, where coma patients are warehoused.
• Nancy Greenly (Lois Chiles): Susan’s best friend who inexplicably falls into a coma after a routine procedure, sparking Susan’s investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jim: “First rule of crime: Keep It Simple. What’s simple? Carbon Monoxide.” – Jim outlines the simplicity and effectiveness of using carbon monoxide to induce comas during surgery.
• Dr. Susan Wheeler: “Someone’s putting people into comas…” – Dr. Wheeler expresses her growing suspicion about the unusual number of coma cases.
• Dr. George Harris: “(No specific iconic quote – character is the evil mastermind)” – Dr. Harris, the seemingly affable hospital administrator, is revealed as the leader of the organ harvesting operation, embodying the chilling corruption within the medical system, representing a violation of trust.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,231,642
• Worldwide Gross: $31,231,642

💥 Coma Reviews

Personal Review

I was hooked from the start! Geneviève Bujold’s portrayal of Dr. Wheeler is amazing. You can feel her frustration as nobody believes her, and it’s genuinely frightening watching her uncover the truth. The scenes at the Jefferson Institute are particularly chilling, those bodies suspended by wires really stuck with me. Though the ending felt a bit rushed, Coma is a classic thriller.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of medical thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful mysteries”
  • “Viewers interested in 1970s cinema”
  • “Fans of Michael Crichton’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic medical content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes (organ harvesting, abortion)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Coma delivers suspense and intrigue, bolstered by strong performances from Bujold and Widmark. Crichton’s direction keeps the tension high, even if the plot occasionally strains credibility. A thought-provoking thriller that raises unsettling questions about the medical industry.
• Roger Ebert: “While Coma relies on familiar thriller tropes, it succeeds due to Bujold’s compelling performance and Crichton’s skillful pacing. The film effectively taps into our fears about hospitals and the potential for abuse within the medical system. A solid, if not groundbreaking, thriller.
• The New York Times: “Coma is a competent medical thriller that benefits from its timely exploration of ethical issues. The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and strong performances make it an engaging watch. However, the plot’s reliance on familiar genre conventions ultimately limits its impact.

Audience Reactions

The suspenseful atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s ability to create a sense of dread and paranoia, highlighting the chilling visuals and suspenseful plot.

Bujold’s performance as the determined Dr. Wheeler was fantastic and kept me rooting for her.: Geneviève Bujold’s strong portrayal of a woman fighting against a corrupt system is a recurring highlight, earning her praise for her strong and believable performance.

Overall Consensus: Coma is a well-regarded medical thriller that successfully blends suspense, intrigue, and social commentary. While some find the plot predictable, the film’s strong performances and atmospheric direction make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Robin Cook.”
• “Michael Crichton, already an established novelist, directed the film, showcasing his multi-talented abilities.”
• “Two versions of scenes with coma patients were filmed: one with semi-naked patients and another with covered-up patients for television screenings.”
• “The Jefferson Institute exterior was filmed at a former IBM building in El Segundo, California, chosen for its sterile and futuristic appearance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Coma?

Coma (1978) is available for rent or purchase on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for potential broadcast schedules on cable or satellite television.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Coma, you might like these similar films:

• The Firm (1993): A young professional uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within their seemingly prestigious organization.
• Marathon Man (1976): Innocent protagonist is caught up in a conspiracy involving clandestine and deadly activities.
• Outbreak (1995): Medical professionals race against time to stop a deadly virus, uncovering government secrets along the way.
• The China Syndrome (1979): Journalists and engineers uncover a conspiracy to cover up safety hazards at a nuclear power plant.

🛒 Coma Related Products

• Robin Cook’s Coma (Novel): Experience the thrilling story that inspired the movie. Robin Cook’s medical thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• Coma (1978) – Movie Poster: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. Perfect for fans of classic thrillers.
• Anatomical Brain Model: Detailed Brain Model used to study human anatomy. Highly realistic and medically accurate, enhance study experience.
• Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Series DVD: Explore the world of medical dramas with Grey’s Anatomy, filled with intense storylines and gripping character development. A must-watch for fans of Coma!

🎧 Soundtrack

Coma features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “Operating Room 8” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith
• “The Institute” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Infections On the Human Brain

Ever wondered what *actually* happens when the brain gets infected? This quick video breaks down the science behind brain infections and might give you a new perspective on what the main character in ‘Coma’ is going through – super interesting stuff!

She woke up from a coma

Curious about what it’s like to wake up from a long coma? This clip from ‘Senior Year’ shows a comedic take on waking up from a coma! Really wild and I thought you’d appreciate the comparison with the more serious tone in ‘Coma’.

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