The English Patient (Seinfeld)

"The English Patient (Seinfeld)" refers to a plot point in the sixth season of the American sitcom Seinfeld, specifically the episodes "The Kiss Hello" and "The Doodle." The character Elaine Benes expresses extreme disdain for the Academy Award-winning film The English Patient.

Elaine dislikes the film intensely, considering it long, boring, and pretentious. Her aversion becomes a recurring joke throughout the season. She actively campaigns to prevent her boss, Mr. Lippman, from seeing the film, believing it will negatively impact his mental state.

Her dislike of The English Patient becomes a point of contention between her and other characters, highlighting her somewhat unconventional and often contrarian opinions. The gag plays on the film's mixed reception, suggesting that while critically acclaimed, it was not universally enjoyed, especially among those who found it slow-paced and overlong. The reference is used to portray Elaine as having more refined, though perhaps idiosyncratic, tastes compared to some of the other characters.