Watch The Appointments of Dennis Jennings

The Appointments of Dennis Jennings is a 1988 comedy-drama film directed by Dean Parisot and written by Mike Armstrong and Steven Wright. The movie stars Steven Wright as Dennis Jennings, a neurotic and socially awkward man who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. He sees a psychiatrist, Dr. Schooner (Rowan Atkinson), who tries to help him with his problems, but only ends up making them worse. Along the way, Dennis meets a woman named Emma (Laurie Metcalf), with whom he begins a relationship.

The movie begins with Dennis going about his mundane daily routine. He works as an accountant and lives alone in his apartment, where he watches television and listens to classical music. He is constantly plagued by anxiety and self-doubt, and often feels like he doesn't belong in the world around him. In an attempt to get his life back on track, Dennis begins seeing a psychiatrist, Dr. Schooner.

Dr. Schooner is a quirky and unconventional therapist who immediately takes a liking to Dennis. However, his attempts to help Dennis only seem to make things worse. He encourages Dennis to confront his fears and embrace his inner turmoil, but this only leads to more confusion and anxiety.

Meanwhile, Dennis meets Emma, a free-spirited woman who is the polar opposite of him. Emma sees the world as a magical and wonderful place, and encourages Dennis to let go of his worries and enjoy life. The two begin a relationship, but Dennis' mental state continues to deteriorate. He becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional, imagining that he is being followed and that his life is in danger.

Throughout the movie, there are several appointments between Dennis and Dr. Schooner, which serve as a way of charting Dennis' progress (or lack thereof) as he struggles to find happiness and meaning in his life. These appointments are often awkward and uncomfortable, with Dennis' dry wit and sarcasm clashing with Dr. Schooner's enthusiastic and optimistic demeanor.

The movie is shot in a minimalist style, with most of the action taking place in Dennis' apartment or in the psychiatrist's office. This creates a sense of claustrophobia and isolation, which reflects Dennis' feelings of being trapped and unable to escape his problems.

Overall, The Appointments of Dennis Jennings is a darkly humorous and deeply introspective exploration of the human psyche. It balances comedic moments with moments of raw emotional intensity, and does an excellent job of capturing the experience of living with anxiety and depression. Steven Wright's deadpan delivery and dry humor are a perfect fit for the character of Dennis, and the supporting cast (especially Atkinson and Metcalf) are equally strong. While it may not be a movie for everyone, those who appreciate offbeat humor and psychological drama will find a lot to enjoy in The Appointments of Dennis Jennings.