the shooting schedule of a feature film. The film was blocked from theatrical release by Williams' management company. The San Francisco Examiner reported that the decision was made because the film was not like the comedies for which Williams was known. Reception Philadelphia Inquirer critic Ken Tucker praised the performances but wrote that the film was "a little boring in its relentless depression." The director, he wrote, was "all too willing to let a scene dawdle, the better to emphasize Tommy's torture." A San Francisco Examiner critic called the film a "powerful drama" and "remarkably faithful reproduction" of the Bellow novel, and praised the performances, calling Williams "first rate." New York Times critic John J. O'Connor praised Wiseman's performance and said that Stiller "steals the film." But he criticized the casting of Robin Williams as too "Middle American" for a role as a Jewish New Yorker. He wrote that Williams' performance was excessively intense, and that the portrayal of Jewish people whose only yardstick is money is "a scenario calculated to unsettle, possibly even offend." Writing in New York magazine, critic John Leonard called the film "ugly stuff" but said that Williams "is, for the most part, up to it." See also Carpe diem Death of a Salesman References External links 1986 films Films directed by Fielder Cook Films based on American novels 1986 drama films American drama films Golan-Globus films 1980s English-language films 1980s American films