SYNOPSIS

Based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, TOUCH chronicles a young former Franciscan monk’s return to Los Angeles following years spent in a remote jungle monastery. Charlie Lawson–or Juvenal (Skeet Ulrich), as he is known–takes a job in a rehab center, where he discovers stigmata on his palms and a gift for healing when he restores a blind woman’s sight. As word of his miracles gets out, con man Bill Hill (Christopher Walken) sees money in these divine occurrences and sends promoter pal Lynn Faulkner (Bridget Fonda) to infiltrate Juvenal’s world and find out if he’s authentic. In true farcical style, she falls for him in the process. What follows are many slightly zany attempts to capture Juvenal and his powers by a religious zealot and two sharklike reporters. Surprisingly slick and light, TOUCH is highlighted by a knockout supporting cast, filled with cool dialogue, and enhanced by hip production design. Director Paul Schrader once again looks at religion in the context of the modern world–this time with a sense of humor–in this fun and original film.


TRAILER


RELEASE DATE

July 10, 1998

DIRECTOR

Paul Schrader

WRITER

Elmore Leonard (novel), Paul Schrader (screenplay)

COMPANY

Path

GENRE

Comedy, Drama, Romance

CERT

15

RUNTIME

96 minutes

IMAGES