Awakenings

Awakenings

120 mins | Drama | Dec. 4, 1990

Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.

Awakenings

120 mins | Drama | Dec. 4, 1990

Awakenings
Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a shy research physician, uses an experimental drug to "awaken" the catatonic victims of a rare disease. Leonard is the first patient to receive the controversial treatment. His awakening, filled with awe and enthusiasm, proves a rebirth for Sayer too, as the exuberant patient reveals life's simple but unutterably sweet pleasures to the introverted doctor.
IMDb rating 7.8
Producers Parkes/Lasker productions
Original title Awakenings
Directors Tony Gittelson, Glen Trotiner, Sheila Paige, Penny Marshall
Writers Oliver Sacks, Steven Zaillian

Cast

Robert De Niro

as Leonard Lowe

Robin Williams

as Malcolm Sayer

John Heard

as Dr. Kaufman

Julie Kavner

as Eleanor Costello

Ruth Nelson

as Mrs. Lowe

Max von Sydow

as Peter Ingham

Anne Meara

as Miriam

Dexter Gordon

as Rolando

George Martin

as Frank

Alice Drummond

as Lucy Fishman

Richard Libertini

as Sidney

Laura Esterman

as Lolly

Barton Heyman

as Bert

Judith Malina

as Rose

Mary Alice

as Nurse Margaret

Keith Diamond

as Anthony

Bradley Whitford

as Dr. Tyler

John Christopher Jones

as Dr. Sullivan

Mary Catherine Wright

as Nurse Beth

Jayne Haynes

as Frances

Yusef Bulos

as Joseph

Steven Randazzo

as Luis

Gloria Harper

as Dottie

Gwyllum Evans

as Desmond

Tiger Haynes

as Janitor

Harvey Miller

as Hospital Director

Tanya Berezin

as Psychiatrist

Peter Stormare

as Neurochemist

Shane Fistell

as Man in Hall

Waheedah Ahmad

as Hysterical Woman

Charles Keating

as Mr. Kean

Christina Huertes

as Christina

Linda Burns

as Fishsticks

Judy Jacksina

as Hospital Receptionist

Gary Tacon

as George

Rico Elias

as Orderly #1

Mel Gorham

as Nurse Sara

Chris Carolan

as EEG Technician

Debra Kovner-Zaks

as Cafeteria Nurse

Vin Diesel

as Hospital Orderly (Uncredited)

Max Rabinowitz

as Ward #5 Orderly

Gordon Joseph Weiss

as Ward #5 Patient

Byron Utley

as Ward #5 Patient #2

Anthony McGowen

as Ward #5 Patient #3

Paul Montgomery

as Ward #5 Patient #4

Leonard Tepper

as Ward #5 Patient #5

Vincent Pastore

as Ward #5 Patient #6

Howard Feller

as Ward #5 Patient #7

Libby Titus

as Club Singer

Michael Hyde

as Bus Driver

Tomislav Novakovic

as Bartender

Adam Bryant

as Librarian

Anthony J. Nici

as Young Leonard

Oliver Block

as Leonard's Friend #1

Buck Smith

as Leonard's Friend #2

Joan E. MacIntosh

as Teacher

Harry L. Seddon

as Medical Student

Jack Mulcahy

as Psych Ward Intern