Paralyzed in a 1984 accident, writer/director
Neal Jimenez (of
River's Edge fame) channelled his own experiences and emotions into his 1991 film Waterdance.
Eric Stoltz stars as a young writer left incapacitated by a hiking accident. He is placed in a paraplegic ward, peopled by patients of all races and emotional states. Together with his new-found friends, Stoltz rebels against the hospital system and his own debilitation.
Helen Hunt and
Wesley Snipes are among the costars in this effective update (though not a remake) of 1950's
The Men.
Waterdance was given a brief theatrical release in 1992 before being telecast on PBS'
American Playhouse in early 1993. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide