Awakenings
1969. Dr. Malcolm Sayer, who has only a background in research, is hired to be a Bronx-area clinical physician. He is not the best candidate for the job as he struggles to relate with people. The hospital hired him partly out of desperateness in finding someone who has the right qualifications. Many of his patients live in semi-catatonic states and are kept in “garden” cells. This is where they have to only provide water for them. Some patients respond unusually to stimuli, even though they are generally in a catatonic state. He also discovers that these patients all suffered from encephalitis during the 1920s and 1930s. Their physical state is similar to that of someone with Parkinson’s disease. He is capable of convincing his boss Dr. Kaufman to give an experimental, expensive drug therapy to one patient, with their family’s consent. Leonard Lowe is 41 years old and has lived in this state since he turned eleven. He has also been supported throughout his life by his mother. There are many issues to consider as Leonard is “awakening” from the drug therapy. Malcolm must convince Kaufman, the hospital administrator to allow the treatment to be extended to other patients. Leonard may not have known the effects of the therapy over time. He was conscious of his environment through catatonic states and wanted to both be treated like a human and as an experiment guineapig so that he and his family can benefit from what’s happening. Although Mrs. Lowe might not be prepared for her new Leonard, she still remembers him as a sweet 11-year old boy. Malcolm’s most important issue is how to encourage the human spirit. –Huggo
Genre: Drama
Director: Penny Marshall
Actors: John Heard, Julie Kavner, Max von Sydow, Penelope Ann Miller, Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Ruth Nelson
Country: United States
