Awakenings: The True Story Behind The Robert De Niro & Robin Williams Movie

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Back in 1990, I was completely captivated as Robert De Niro and Robin Williams graced our screens together in “Awakenings,” directed by Penny Marshall for Columbia Pictures. This medical drama was one of their many outstanding performances that year, with nominations for three Oscars – best actor (De Niro), best picture, and best adapted screenplay. The film revolves around Dr. Malcolm Sayer, played brilliantly by Robin Williams, who experimented with a drug called levodopa to help patients suffering from catatonia, a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, emerge from their state.

The narrative revolves around a program, initially created by neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks during the late 1960s at Beth Abraham Hospital in the Bronx (now known as the Beth Abraham Center). This hospital was where he worked on treating individuals who had been in different levels of consciousness since they contracted encephalitis lethargica, often referred to as “the sleeping sickness,” following World War I. Dr. Sacks shared his research in a 1973 book titled “Awakenings.” This book later served as the basis for Steven Zaillian’s Academy Award-nominated screenplay. Interestingly, Dr. Sacks also received co-writing credit for the movie adaptation of his work.

Most of Sacks’ eighty patients had gradually worsened over the years due to inactivity and a lack of mental stimulation. Sacks speculated that the newly developed L-dopa could affect the same receptors as those impacting his encephalitis lethargica patients, but he was apprehensive about testing this experimental treatment on elderly individuals. In an interview with ABC News in 2009, Sacks explained, “I hesitated for two years. These patients had been isolated for forty years, and I wasn’t sure how they would cope with a world that was no longer their own. However, due to the severe disabilities and deteriorating health of many patients, I eventually felt compelled to proceed.

The effects of L-dopa wore off quickly

In essence, ‘Awakenings’ movie largely mirrors real-life occurrences, but director Penny Marshall made necessary adjustments to narrate the story of Dr. Oliver Sacks and his patients more creatively. A notable parallel between reality and the film is that the benefits derived from the groundbreaking L-dopa treatment were temporary. The patients experienced remarkable and full awakenings, yet soon relapsed into catatonia. Despite L-dopa not providing a permanent cure for Sacks’ patients, it remains an effective treatment (as per the National Library of Medicine) for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease to this day.

During film preparations, Williams collaborated closely with Sacks, leading them to develop a strong friendship. The authenticity of the movie was enhanced by the actor’s deep study of his character, although the depicted events may not have occurred exactly as portrayed. However, Williams effectively conveyed Sacks’ intense dedication towards his patients and research on screen.

Regrettably, several key figures involved in “Awakenings” have passed away. Robin Williams, known for his memorable roles, delivered a tragic final performance as the voice of Dennis the Dog in “Absolutely Anything,” and took his own life in 2014. Oliver Sacks, diagnosed with cancer, passed away in 2015 at the age of 82. Unfortunately, Marshall also died in 2023 due to diabetes-related complications. Fortunately, Robert De Niro continues to act well into his 80s, while Julie Kavner, another major player, gained fame on “Rhoda” and went on to voice Marge Simpson for over four decades.

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2025-05-06 19:46