Checking Out (1988)
“Nine out of ten doctors say Ray is perfectly healthy. But what do they know?”
When his best friend dies of a heart attack, Ray Macklin becomes a man obsessed with his own mortality. Convinced that all his aches and pains are an indication of his imminent death, Ray's life turns into a slapstick farce of health-crazed anxiety and hypochondria.
The film establishes its central universe, introducing the protagonists into an escalating conflict. Directed by David Leland, this opening movement establishes high visual and thematic stakes that set the narrative journey into motion.
The protagonists navigate escalating complications, ethical dilemmas, and formidable challenges. Starring Jeff Daniels, Melanie Mayron, Michael Tucker, the middle act intensifies dramatic momentum toward an inevitable turning point.
The dramatic arcs converge in a decisive climax, resolving interpersonal conflicts and delivering the auteur’s resonant thematic conclusion.
Jeff Daniels
as Ray Macklin
Melanie Mayron
as Jenny Macklin
Michael Tucker
as Harry Lardner
Kathleen York
as Diana
Ann Magnuson
as Connie Hagen
Allan Havey
as Pat Hagen
Jo Harvey Allen
as Barbara
Ian Wolfe
as Mr. D'Amato
Billy Beck
as Father CarmodyTrudy Dochterman
as Val
John Durbin
as Spencer Gillinger
Adelle Lutz
as Dr. HelmsleyCinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 96 min |
Pure cinematic metadata encyclopedia with zero hosted video. Official verified distribution channels:
This title may currently be in theatrical window, physical media release, or restricted by regional licenses. Switch to another territory:
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.
