Awakenings backdrop

Awakenings 1990 Directed by Penny Marshall

There is no such thing as a simple miracle.

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.

Country USA
Production Country USA
Language English
Spoken Language English
Gnere Drama
Production Company Parkes/Lasker productions
Budget $31,000,000
Revenue $52,096,475
Release Date 4 December 1990
120 mins
Cast
Robert De Niro Leonard Lowe
Robin Williams Malcolm Sayer
John Heard Dr. Kaufman
Julie Kavner Eleanor Costello
Ruth Nelson Mrs. Lowe
Max von Sydow Peter Ingham
Anne Meara Miriam
Alice Drummond Lucy Fishman
Mary Alice Nurse Margaret
Jayne Haynes Frances
Yusef Bulos Joseph
Tiger Haynes Janitor
Harvey Miller Hospital Director
Tanya Berezin Psychiatrist
Peter Stormare Neurochemist
Shane Fistell Man in Hall
Waheedah Ahmad Hysterical Woman
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
Adam Bryant Librarian
Anthony J. Nici Young Leonard
Oliver Block Leonard's Friend #1
Buck Smith Leonard's Friend #2
Harry L. Seddon Medical Student
Jack Mulcahy Psych Ward Intern
Jason W. Fuchs Pot-Head Hippie
Vin Diesel Hospital Orderly (uncredited)