Donald Sutherland in a realistic examination of a surgeon who performs an artificial-heart implant. Jeff Goldblum, John Marley. Tilla: Sharon Acker. Carol: Mare Winningham. Richard Pearce directed., Donald Sutherland plays a brilliant surgeon who becomes a media celebrity after performing an artificial-heart transplant. Jeff Goldblum, inventor of the ersatz heart, likewise basks in the glow of sudden fame. The only person to have reservations about the procedure is heart recipient Mare Winningham., Donald Sutherland in a realistic examination of a surgeon who performs an artificial-heart implant.