Leonard Lowe: Hello. My name is Leonard Lowe. It has been explained to me that I’ve been away for a long time.I’m back.
Awakenings is a profoundly moving journey of a eccentric doctor and his ’’sleeping’’ patients.It is based on the true story of Oliver Sacks who went through all the experiences shown in the movie.
It explores a very degenerated human state, losing the ability to function and respond. This movie narrates the doctor’s experiments with the patients of a rare ’’sleeping sickness’’ called Encephalitis Lethargica.
Dr. Sayer: You’d think all of these ’’atypical’’ somethings would add up to a typical something.
Robin Williams as Dr. Sayer plays the role of a reserved neurologist. After spending many years researching on earthworms with no apparent useful results he applies for a position in a mental ward of a substandard hospital.
Sayer makes his rounds among the victims of every kind of mental disorder. soon he invokes a response, by playing ’Catch’, from an elderly ’’sleeping’’ patient.
Thus he finds that the neglected stoned patients, who are thought to give only blank stares, are actually aware of their surroundings. The doctor inspired by the response of patients and his love of trying something new, decides to use a new drug L-Dopa on the unresponsive patients.
Others take a lukewarm view of Sayer’s optimism and refuse to approve his request. He then seeks permission from the mother of one of the patients. The patient on whom the determined doctor tries his medication for the first time is Leonard Lowe played by Robert DeNiro.
The experimental use of the drug, results in the dramatic re-awakening of patients from a very long state of paralyzed unresponsiveness.
This miracle gradually causes more pain and disillusionment when the effects of the drug gradually wear off and the patients slowly degenerate back into their ’’sleeping’’ state.
Robert DeNiro has a different role to play here, different form his gangster movies. He easily fits and performs with amazing capability all the physio-emotional aspects of this demanding role.
His character Leonard Lowe is the first patient brought to senses by the doctor. Robin Williams gives an outstanding performance as Dr. Sayer, a shy but very committed man.
If you compare his roles from his other movies, you see the range he is able to play. In this movie we find him a reserved and noble man, introvert but compassionate.
Dr. Sayer: I’m sorry, if you were right, I would agree with you.
When I saw the movie for the first time I could feel my eyes getting wet. When I saw the movie again, I was able to spot the director’s efforts at bringing out the fragile and difficult chemistry between the two lead actors. Leonard’s mother’s character was effectively portrayed.
The tone of the movie can be stated as depressing and a lot of people therefore refrain from watching it. Even then without doubt it is one of the most life affirming movies ever made.
The next time you wake up in the morning and do daily things like taking a walk or reading a book, you may remember how lucky you are to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Mrs. Lowe: My son is in pain! Please, stop this!
Dr. Sayer: He’s fighting, Mrs. Lowe.
Mrs. Lowe: He’s losing.
Hey if you have slept through reading this review, it’s now time for ’’awakenings’’...and maybe moving on to the comments section.