David Atkins (III)	...	(Director)
Paul Felopulos, David Atkins	...	(Writer)
Chelcie Ross	...	Mike
Steve Martin	...	Dr. Frank Sangster
Laura Dern	...	Jean Noble
Lynne Thigpen	...	Pat
Polly Noonan	...	Sally
Helena Bonham Carter	...	Susan Ivey
JoBe Cerny	...	Pharmacist Wayne Ponze
Elias Koteas	...	Harlan Sangster
Yasen Peyankov	...	Sunshine Lounge Bartender
Scott Caan	...	Duane Ivey
Teri Cotruzzola	...	Attractive Complaining Patient
Lucina Paquet	...	Mrs. Langston
Preston Maybank	...	DEA Agent Melvin Gelding
Sally Kao	...	Chinese Wife
Quincy Wong	...	Chinese Cook
Vilko Filac	...	Cinematographer
Melody London	...	Editor

Comments: Crime Is Not Only Done By Criminals.

Summary: A screwball noir comedy that marks a promising directorial debut by first-timer David Atkins, Novocaine has a knack for the offbeat, beginning with the casting of Steve Martin as Frank, a dentist who traps himself in an escalating series of secrets and lies. Frank likens his dilemma to the insidious rot of tooth decay, personified by quirky drug addict Susan (Helena Bonham Carter), who enters his office, steals his narcotics, and draws him into an unexpected flirtation with disaster. Frank's brother (Elias Koteas) complicates matters almost as much as Susan's psycho brother (Scott Caan), but it's Frank's fiancée and hygienist (Laura Dern) who shotguns the movie to its outrageous and gruesomely off-putting conclusion. Erratic in tone and briefly amusing, Novocaine offers a few surprises (including an unbilled appearance by Kevin Bacon), but the movie never really finds its groove, and its curiously numbing effect makes the title just a bit too apropos. --Jeff Shannon