David and Lisa Poster

David and Lisa 1998

★ 5.816 votes86 min📅 1998-11-01

David and Lisa (1998), directed by Lloyd Kramer, is a poignant drama that explores the fragile intersections of love, mental health, and connection through the eyes of two deeply troubled teenagers.

Director: Lloyd Kramer

Cast

Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier
Dr. Jack Miller
Lukas Haas
Lukas Haas
David
Brittany Murphy
Brittany Murphy
Lisa
Debi Mazar
Debi Mazar
Maggie
Allison Janney
Allison Janney
Alix
Kim Murphy
Kim Murphy
Natalie
Giuseppe Andrews
Giuseppe Andrews
Joey
Vicellous Shannon
Vicellous Shannon
Tyrone
Gene Wolande
Gene Wolande
Kevin
Kimiko Gelman
Kimiko Gelman
Molly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is David and Lisa (1998) about?

The film follows David, a teenage boy who recoils from physical contact due to severe anxiety, and Lisa, a girl with dissociative identity disorder who expresses herself in rhymes. Their paths cross in a psychiatric setting where an unconventional psychiatrist helps them navigate their fears and forge a unique connection.

Who directed David and Lisa?

Lloyd Kramer directed David and Lisa. Known for his work in emotionally driven dramas, Kramer brings a sensitive lens to the complexities of mental health and human connection in this made-for-TV film.

Who stars in David and Lisa?

The film features Sidney Poitier as the dedicated psychiatrist, alongside Lukas Haas as David, Brittany Murphy as Lisa, and supporting roles from Debi Mazar, Allison Janney, and Kim Murphy.

Is David and Lisa (1998) worth watching?

With its thoughtful exploration of mental health and human resilience, David and Lisa offers more than just a compelling drama—it provides insight into the power of unconventional communication. While it's a TV movie, its themes and performances elevate it beyond typical television fare. Fans of character-driven stories will find much to appreciate.

How long is David and Lisa?

David and Lisa has a runtime of 86 minutes, making it a concise yet impactful viewing experience.

About David and Lisa (1998) — A Touching Drama of Love and Mental Health

David and Lisa (1998), directed by Lloyd Kramer, is a poignant drama that explores the fragile intersections of love, mental health, and connection through the eyes of two deeply troubled teenagers. The story revolves around David, a teenage boy paralyzed by a severe aversion to touch, and Lisa, a young woman whose volatile split personalities find solace in rhythmic speech and poetic detachment. Their fragile bond, nurtured within the structured confines of a psychiatric facility, becomes the unexpected foundation for healing—if only they can learn to trust each other's unusual forms of communication. Kramer crafts an intimate, character-driven narrative that blends emotional rawness with moments of unexpected tenderness.

Set against the backdrop of mid-century America, the film contrasts the sterile precision of medical intervention with the messy, human need for belonging. Themes of isolation, resilience, and the search for authenticity resonate through every scene, anchored by powerful performances from the ensemble cast. The atmosphere is one of quiet intensity, where every glance and hesitation carries weight, making David and Lisa a quietly unforgettable exploration of the heart's unspoken language.