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
“There is no such thing as a simple miracle.”
Overview
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.
Director
Penny Marshall
Budget
31.0M
Revenue
52.1M
Status
Released
Production
Parkes/Lasker productions
Cast
Robert De Niro
Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams
Malcolm Sayer
John Heard
Dr. Kaufman
Julie Kavner
Eleanor Costello
Penelope Ann Miller
Paula
Ruth Nelson
Mrs. Lowe
Max von Sydow
Peter Ingham
Anne Meara
Miriam
Dexter Gordon
Rolando
George Martin
Frank
Alice Drummond
Lucy Fishman
Richard Libertini
Sidney
Laura Esterman
Lolly
Barton Heyman
Bert
Judith Malina
Rose
Mary Alice
Nurse Margaret
Keith Diamond
Anthony
Bradley Whitford
Dr. Tyler
John Christopher Jones
Dr. Sullivan
Mary Catherine Wright
Nurse Beth
Jayne Haynes
Frances
Le Clanché du Rand
Magda
Yusef Bulos
Joseph
Steven Randazzo
Luis
Gloria Harper
Dottie
Gwyllum Evans
Desmond
Steve Vinovich
Ray
Tiger Haynes
Janitor
Harvey Miller
Hospital Director
Tanya Berezin
Psychiatrist
Peter Stormare
Neurochemist
Shane Fistell
Man in Hall
Waheedah Ahmad
Hysterical Woman
Charles Keating
Mr. Kean
Christina Huertes
Christina
Linda Burns
Fishsticks
Judy Jacksina
Hospital Receptionist
Gary Tacon
George
Rico Elias
Orderly #1
Mel Gorham
Nurse Sara
Chris Carolan
EEG Technician
Debra Kovner-Zaks
Cafeteria Nurse
Bret McCormick
Head Ward Orderly
Gordon Joseph Weiss
Ward #5 Patient
Byron Utley
Ward #5 Patient #2
Anthony McGowen
Ward #5 Patient #3
Paul Montgomery
Ward #5 Patient #4
Leonard Tepper
Ward #5 Patient #5
Vincent Pastore
Ward #5 Patient #6
Howard Feller
Ward #5 Patient #7
Libby Titus
Club Singer
Michael Hyde
Bus Driver
Tomislav Novakovic
Bartender
Adam Bryant
Librarian
Anthony J. Nici
Young Leonard
Oliver Block
Leonard's Friend #1
Buck Smith
Leonard's Friend #2
Joan E. MacIntosh
Teacher
Harry L. Seddon
Medical Student
Jack Mulcahy
Psych Ward Intern
Jason W. Fuchs
Pot-Head Hippie
Vin Diesel
Hospital Orderly (uncredited)
Video Gallery
Awakenings 1990 TV trailer
Awakenings - Trailer
