Awakenings

, based on the acclaimed book by neurologist Oliver Sacks, director Penny Marshall’s 1990 drama stars Robin Williams as Dr. Malcolm Sayer.

The story, based on the real life work of Dr. Malcolm Sayer, is about about a doctor who makes terrific strides in fighting post-encephalitis patients that were considered incurable. The patients were in a persistent catatonic state.

Sayer is a neurologist who discovers that the drug L-Dopa can be used to “unlock” the patients minds and bodies, bringing them back to the real world and the problems living in the real world brings. The story takes us through the struggles and triumphs of patients who have lost nearly 30 years of their lives.

Leonard (Robert De Niro) is one such patient who awakens after being in a comatose state for 30-years, leaving Sayer to guide Leonard in adjusting to the world around him. Penelope Ann Miller costars as the daughter of another patient, with whom Leonard falls tenuously in love.

Robin Williams fans will enjoy watching !

Behind the Scenes