Out of this summer's barrage of escapist films emerges an emotional movie about a serious topic.

Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott star in the film whose title tells it all. Although the theme is not original, Dying Young is not a typical tear-jerking Hollywood melodrama.

But don't forget the tissues.

Roberts plays attention-starved Hilary O'Neil, who responds to a newspaper ad placed by wealthy leukemia patient Victor, played by Scott.

For Hilary, applying for the job as a live-in aide to an ill man is a way to prove her independence. She tells her mother accepting the job will give her a chance to feel needed.

What Hilary learns is that, as much as she hates to admit it, she needs love and understanding. Her business deal with Victor quickly leads to a more intense relationship.

Victor, who receives chemotherapy for his 10-year battle with cancer, resides in a spacious basement apartment in his father's house. Alone until Hilary arrives, Victor leads a sheltered life.

Neither one of them counts on falling in love.

In Dying Young the way Hilary and Victor communicate with one another is the key to their relationship. Because he is working on his art history doctorate, music and art have filled Victor's lonely days. He delights in tutoring Hilary on artists.

Street-smart Hilary has been through failed relationships, but this does not stop her from trusting Victor. A disappointing aspect of Roberts' character, however, is that her feelings and motives are not fully explored. Reasons for Hilary's actions are never really explained.

Campbell, on the other hand, relates Victor's physical and emotional pain in a realistic manner. When Victor tells his father, played by David Selby, that he wanted Hilary to see him with hair, Victor's desperation and struggle is made clear.

Everything in the film seems to reflect Victor's state of mind, even down to small details. His favorite artists exclusively paint young beautiful redheads, so it is not surprising that he chose Hilary for the job.

The long halls and sparsely decorated walls in Victor's apartment also echo his loneliness and pain. But this sadness has not made Victor bitter. Rather, he appreciates the good things in his life.

Victor takes comfort in sharing his lifestyle with Hilary. Although it is apparent that his initial attraction to her is based on her physical appearance, Victor soon finds other things to love about her.

The film is not cluttered with needless characters. Every supporting character serves a purpose. Colleen Dewhurst is wonderful as Estelle, the introspective widowed owner of a winery. Hilary turns to Estelle when Victor's behavior becomes hard to understand.

Dying Young does not resort to uninteresting plot twists. The characters are forced to confront their own feelings and deal with each other.