Synopsis

After a traffic accident brings psychiatrist Ben Sobel into contact with New York mob boss Paul Vitti, the gangster begins suffering debilitating panic attacks and turns to Ben for help. Forced into an unwanted professional relationship, Ben must treat Vitti while preparing for his wedding and dealing with FBI pressure. Their sessions gradually expose the emotional wounds beneath Vitti's intimidating public image.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released on March 5, 1999, and became a substantial commercial success, earning approximately $177 million worldwide from a reported $30 million budget.

• Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal reportedly considered co-directing the film before the project went to Harold Ramis.

• Martin Scorsese was approached about directing but declined.

• De Niro wanted the Mafia world to feel authentic. He and Ramis reportedly spent time in New York's Little Italy looking for people who could bring local texture to the production.

• De Niro suggested Chazz Palminteri for the role of Primo Sidone after working with him on A Bronx Tale.

• The film's success led to the sequel Analyze That, released in 2002.

• The domestic opening weekend set a record for a Robert De Niro film at the time. That record lasted until Meet the Parents opened in 2000.