Dennis Jennings is an introverted daydreamer, sleepwalking through life. He is a professional waiter and has an equally-dull girlfriend, Emma. In an attempt to release his pent-up feelings of isolation, he begins seeing a psychiatrist, only to discover that the doctor is somewhat less than interested in what he has to say. The film won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988) is a comedy film directed by Dean Parisot, released on September 7, 1988 with a runtime of 29m. It stars Steven Wright, Rowan Atkinson, Laurie Metcalf and Carrotte. Viewers rate it 6.7 out of 10 across 18 ratings.
Watch the official trailer for The Appointments of Dennis Jennings before you stream it.
Steven Wright
as Dennis Jennings
Rowan Atkinson
as Dr. Schooner
Laurie Metcalf
as Emma
Carrotte
as Laughing Psychiatrist
Christopher Durang
as Laughing Psychiatrist
Martha Gehman
as Lisa
Joe Grifasi
as Bartender
Thomas Ikeda
as Laughing Psychiatrist
Dana Ivey
as Newscaster
Peter Maloney
as Dr. Wilson
Bill McCutcheon
as Man on TV
Mick Muldoon
as Repairman
Directed by Dean Parisot, written by Steven Wright and Mike Armstrong, produced by Paula Mazur.
Average viewer score of 6.7/10 from 18 ratings.
Steven Wright is the titular character in this rather mis-firing comedy drama that didn’t really work for me. He’s one of those glass half empty fellows with a dead end job, a sexless relationship with his girlfriend “Emma” (Laurie Metcalf) and who ensures regular sessions with his entirely disinterested and expensive psychiatrist “Dr. Schooner” (Rowan Atkinson) as he tries to get back in touch with his deeper self…
Reviewed on January 7, 2026
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The main cast of The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988) includes Steven Wright, Rowan Atkinson, Laurie Metcalf, Carrotte and Christopher Durang. The film was directed by Dean Parisot. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
The Appointments of Dennis Jennings was released on September 7, 1988 and runs for 29m.
The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988) holds an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from 18 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy comedy films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
Yes. The official The Appointments of Dennis Jennings trailer is embedded in the trailer section of this page and plays instantly, no download or sign-up required.
